JUSTICE ACT (ACJA) has once again been claimed by Delta State, placing it ahead of the country’s 36 states.
During an award presentation ceremony in Asaba, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, dedicated the recognition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the diligent officers of the ministry.
He attributed the achievement to the governor’s unwavering support and the ministry’s commitment to justice sector reforms under the MORE Agenda.
Ohwovoriole projected the efficiency of the state’s legal system, stating, “In Delta State, we take an average of no more than six days to deliver legal advice on criminal matters. Our goal is to ensure that criminals are swiftly brought to justice while protecting innocent individuals from unnecessary trials.”
He further revealed that the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) office has been fully digitalised to maintain accurate criminal records, including biometric data of offenders.
This measure, he explained, strengthens the justice system by deterring crime and ensuring proper handling of repeat offenders.
To enhance judicial efficiency, the Governor said the state’s judicial system has introduced virtual hearings within Correctional Centres to eliminate the high costs and risks associated with transporting suspects to court.
“With a courtroom established inside the Correctional Centres, judges can conduct proceedings remotely from Asaba. The governor has approved implementation at Ogwashi-Uku and Okere Correctional Centres, and we are set to go live soon,” Ohwovoriole stated.
He adds that another significant milestone in the state’s justice system is the digitalisation of all Delta State laws, making them accessible online for a nominal fee.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in Delta State, Mr. Patrick Osisioma, had announced that Delta secured the top position at the National Technical Review and Evaluation Conference (NTREC) 2.0 in Abuja.
The evaluation, focused on ACJA implementation, saw Delta State scoring 90.9%, outperforming Rivers State (85%), Nasarawa (82%), Abia (78.5%), Ekiti (76%), and Bayelsa (67.8%).
The state was presented with a certificate of excellence signed by Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, FCIArb, President of the Centre for Social-Legal Studies (CSLS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the ACJMC.
Additionally, Delta State received a plaque, a laptop, and a workstation in recognition of its leadership in criminal justice reform.
