Delta Chief Judge releases 7 awaiting-trial inmates

This is contained in a statement by Mr Onoriode Etastemi, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Justice, maded available to newsmen on Monday in Asaba.

Justice Diai said that the inmates were released following legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecution, (DPP) Mr Anthony Orhorhorho, that they had no case to answer.

Justice Diai while giving the summary of the exercise which began in Warri Correctional Centre, said the visit commenced on March 10 with a total of 350 Warrants reviewed.

The judge said that one inmate regained freedom in warri Correctional Centre while 138 warrants were reviewed in Sapele, but no one  released.

She added that at the Sapele Remand Home, 10 Warrants were reviewed and no inmate was released.

According to her, 181 warrants were reviewed in Kwale custodial centre with one person released after spending reasonable time behind bars on arson and Kidnapping charges.

Diai explained that at Agbor, 135 Warrants were reviewed, and non-released, while at Ogwashi-Uku, a total of 428 warrants were reviewed and five persons regained their freedom.

The breakdown indicates that a total of 1,228 Warrants were reviewed but non were granted bail across the State.

Diai appreciated everyone who participated in the exercise, including the DPP with his team, for their diligence and hard work which translated into faster and smoother dispensation of Justice in the state.

She added that the essence of the visit was to ensure that custody cases are going on smoothly in courts.

Those set free from the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre are, Yohanna Selnan, John Tanko, Gwak Imana, Ventim Usman and Chukwuemeka Ugwu , all male.

Mr Chukwuemeka Ugwu said he was arrested for the crime of robbery and kidnapping which he knew nothing about.

He appreciated the Chief Judge for setting them free while praying that God Almighty will continue to keep her alive to continue her good works for humanity. (NAN)