Jethro Ibileke/Asaba
No fewer than 60 criminal suspects are remanded in prison custodies daily in Delta State, for various crimes.
The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, disclosed this while receiving Members of the newly inaugurated Delta State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, who paid him a courtesy visit on Friday, in Asaba.
He expressed serious concerns and worries on the issue of prison congestion and the deteriorating states of prison facilities across the State, describing conditions in the the prisons as a nightmare.
Mrakpor who charged members of the Council to be diligent in carrying out their duties of recommending deserving prison inmates to be granted amnesty by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, disclosed that some inmates awaiting trial spend as long as four years in prison custody.
The Attorney-General who described the inauguration of the Advisory body as a dream come through to Governor Okowa, advised members of the Council to visit the Prisons and liaise with the Prison authorities in order to make informed decision.
Commenting on those to be recommended for amnesty and commutal of sentences to jail terms, Mrakpor enjoined the Committee to consider those who were sentenced to imprisonment with an option of fine but were unable to pay their fines, inmates with serious health challenge as well as inmates with good conduct and exemplary behavior.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Council, Chief A.P.J. Okpakpor, himself a former Attorney-General of the State, thanked Governor Okowa for their appointment.
He averred that they will continue to rely on the support and cooperation of the Attorney-General, noting that law and legal administration in the State begins from the Office of the Attorney-General.
He however expressed optimism that the Council will receive due respect and proper funding from the state government in order for them to discharge their duties diligently.