By Abel Johngold Orheruata
In a groundbreaking move to accelerate justice delivery, the Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, has launched a Remote Court System (Pilot) Stakeholders Engagement in Asaba, Delta State. The initiative aims to expedite court proceedings, reduce delays in criminal trials, and improve the overall efficiency of the state’s justice system.
Justice Diai emphasized that the success of the remote court system goes beyond merely providing equipment; it requires commitment and responsibility from all stakeholders. She urged stakeholders to support the initiative, stating, “If we do not act well, we will be punishing the citizens themselves who are entitled to their rights. This intervention is critical and important to ensure that justice is not only served but is also timely.”
The Chief Judge highlighted the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. She noted that delays in trials often result in accused persons facing prolonged detention without conviction, a situation the remote court system aims to resolve. The Criminal Justice Law mandates that single offenses should be tried within 180 days, and this system will help achieve that goal by enabling virtual court appearances and minimizing logistical challenges.
Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of Global T&T New Solutions Limited, Musibau Famuyiwa, praised the Delta State Judiciary for embracing technology to tackle congestion in correctional centers. He highlighted that remote court sessions, which gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, have since become an essential component of modern justice systems worldwide.
“In Lagos State, where we first piloted this system, over 4,000 cases have been handled remotely, benefiting more than 10 million participants,” Famuyiwa stated. “With remote courts, more people can attend proceedings, and delays caused by transportation issues or security risks can be eliminated. Delta State is now at the forefront of this legal-tech transformation in Nigeria.”
He noted that states like Ogun and Oyo have successfully implemented similar systems and expressed optimism that Delta State will achieve similar success.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Delta State, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving access to justice. He explained that the state has 25 local government areas, some with difficult terrains and high transportation costs, making the remote court system a necessary innovation.
“We often face challenges transporting defendants across the state due to high fuel costs, broken-down vehicles, and unfavorable weather conditions. By integrating remote hearings, we can reduce these obstacles while ensuring that defendants receive timely trials,” he stated.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved the funding for this project, which includes setting up remote court facilities at Ogwashi-Uku and Warri Correctional Centers. These centers will serve multiple courts, reducing the need for physical transportation of defendants. The pilot scheme is set to be fully operational in two months, with test runs commencing within two weeks.
Correctional Services Welcome Innovation
Emenike Chibuzor, Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centers in Delta State, hailed the initiative as a long-awaited solution to logistical challenges faced by correctional facilities.
“When the Delta State Government informed me about this project, I felt my prayers had been answered. This will significantly assist us by reducing transportation costs, security risks, and the stress involved in moving inmates to and from court,” Chibuzor stated. “With the remote court system, inmates can now attend proceedings from within the custodial centers, making justice more accessible and efficient.”
As Delta State embarks on this transformative journey, stakeholders remain optimistic that the remote court system will not only expedite justice delivery but also set a precedent for other states to follow. With technology driving legal reforms, the state’s judiciary is taking bold steps towards a more efficient and accessible justice system.