Chief Judge Delta State Releases/Granted Bail to Awaiting Trial Inmates

No fewer than 2,153 inmates are awaiting trial in prisons across Delta State, the state chief judge has said.
Justice Marshall Umukoro, who spoke during a courtesy visit in Asaba-the Delta State Capital on Wednesday, said from Delta South, the Itsekiri ethnic group constitutes the least number of persons awaiting trial, while the Ijaws follows closely in second position.

He noted that the Urhobos from Delta Central contributes the highest number of inmates, while Delta North contributes about 40 per cent.

He added that majority of the 40 per cent inmates from Delta North comes from the Southeast.

Justice Umukoro noted that most of those awaiting trial are between the ages of 17 and 28 years.
He urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration to devise ways to integrate the inmates in his S.M.A.R.T agenda.
Responding Governor Okowa decried the high number of persons awaiting trial in Nigerian prisons, promising to work with the judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

He said, “It is very unfortunate that we have large number of persons awaiting trials in our prisons. I wish to call for speedy trial of cases for them to reduce the number, and we will find a way to see how to work with you (judiciary) to rehabilitate those released by engaging and training them through our job creation committee. But it is also important that they will have a new mind-set so as to reintegrate them into the society.”