The Young Nigerian Rights Organization, a civil rights group, has called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take immediate action to decongest prisons in the state. According to the group’s lead activist, Comrade Victor Ojei, the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 provides a framework for reducing prison congestion by shifting the focus from punitive to reformative measures.
The law grants judges and magistrates the discretion to impose non-custodial measures in suitable cases, which can help reduce the number of minor offenders in detention. Comrade Ojei emphasized the importance of alternative sentencing options, such as community service, in preventing unnecessary detention and promoting rehabilitation. He also noted that the law empowers courts to utilize community service, which can help reduce congestion in prisons and prevent minor offenders from mixing with hardened criminals.
Comrade Ojei urged Governor Oborevwori to utilize the provisions of the law to activate non-custodial sentencing mechanisms, particularly for minor and first-time offenders. He also called on the governor to expedite the application of the Prerogative of Mercy, granting amnesty or pardon where due, to relieve overcrowding in custodial facilities. By taking these steps, the governor can align with the law’s intention to promote efficiency, fairness, and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.
The call to action by the Young Nigerian Rights Organization highlights the need for urgent reform in the state’s prison system. With the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 providing a framework for reform, the group is pushing for its effective implementation to address the issue of prison congestion. The next steps will depend on the governor’s response to the group’s call, and the willingness of the state’s judiciary to utilize the provisions of the law to promote rehabilitation and reduce prison overcrowding. The outcome of this effort will have significant implications for the state’s criminal justice system and the welfare of its citizens.
