Delta Correctional Service Lauds Gov. Oborevwori's Support, Pledges Enhanced Service Delivery — Ohwovoriole

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‎By Odafe Isharo

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‎The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, has disclosed that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Delta State Command, has commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration's support to the Command and pledged improved service delivery across the state.

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‎Ohwovoriole made this known on Monday when the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Delta State Command, CC Chuke Chike Idoko, paid him a courtesy visit to express the Command's appreciation to the Delta State Government for the donation of five operational vehicles, popularly known as Green Marias.

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‎According to the Attorney-General, the Controller conveyed the gratitude of the officers and men of the Command to Governor Oborevwori for the timely intervention, noting that the vehicles would significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve the movement of personnel, and strengthen the safe custody and transportation of inmates across correctional facilities in the state.

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‎He added that the gesture further demonstrates the Governor's commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system and supporting institutions responsible for the administration of justice in Delta State.

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‎During the visit, Ohwovoriole disclosed that the Delta State Government is making significant progress towards establishing a Criminal Information System, which will serve as a comprehensive database of criminal records.

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‎He explained that the system is designed to maintain accurate records of offenders, facilitate crime prevention, identify repeat and serial offenders, and improve the overall administration of criminal justice.

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‎According to him, the increasing movement of offenders across state boundaries makes it imperative to establish a centralized system capable of tracking criminal records nationwide.

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‎"The idea is to have a reliable record of offenders, not just for prosecution but also for crime prevention. People who commit crimes in one state should not be able to move to another state and remain unknown to law enforcement agencies.

‎Very soon, if someone commits a crime in one part of Nigeria, the record should be accessible across the country," he said.

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‎The Attorney-General noted that although the Nigerian Correctional Service operates a centralized structure, greater collaboration among criminal justice institutions is necessary to ensure seamless information sharing and enhance public safety.

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‎On criminal justice reforms, the Attorney -General emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, describing the "Three Rs", Reformation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration, as the cornerstone of modern correctional practice.

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‎That is the essence of non-custodial sentencing, to reform rather than simply punish where the circumstances justify it," he said, adding that such corrective measures would help reduce crime and promote responsible citizenship.

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‎Responding to the Controller's request for the installation of virtual court hearing facilities in magistrate courts, the Attorney-General expressed confidence that the facilities would soon be deployed across the state's magistrate courts.

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‎He noted that the initiative would greatly reduce the need to transport inmates from custodial centres to courts, thereby enhancing security, reducing operational costs, and improving the efficiency of the justice delivery system.

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