Lawyers and relatives of inmates in Delta State are facing frustration as the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division, declined to issue hearing notices for cases, citing the absence of Justice M.O Sani, a recently posted Judge to the court.
Court officials conveyed to lawyers, litigants, and relatives of inmates in prison custody that hearing notices could not be issued as the judge was unavailable, and approval from the judge himself was required for such notices.
The posting of Justice I.M. Sani to the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division, by Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho came after reports that the court lacked a presiding judge since September, leading to delays and a backlog of cases.
Friends and relatives of awaiting trial inmates called on Justice I.M. Sani to review cases and grant bail to innocent individuals allegedly incarcerated due to influence from “powerful” individuals.
The absence of a judge also affected the hearing application to dismiss cyberstalking charges against Delta State Take-It-Back Coordinator, Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, who has been unlawfully detained for over 15 months.
It was noted that on October 23, the Federal High Court in Warri Judicial Division did not resume sitting after the annual leave due to the lack of a presiding judge, while other federal high courts nationwide continued their proceedings.
The court’s absence of a judge has resulted in delayed proceedings and trials for litigants, affecting the legal system in the region.
Relatives and friends of Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATM) at the Federal Correctional Centre, Warri, have urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to review the cases and release inmates, particularly those on remand under questionable charges sponsored by influential individuals.
Concerns have been raised about the prolonged trials and stringent bail conditions faced by some awaiting trial inmates, while others have fallen victim to illegal bail bond business racketeers.
The frustration persists as the legal community and those affected by delayed justice await the resolution of the absence of a sitting judge at the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division.
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