A civil rights group, the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, has urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take steps to immediately decongest prisons in the state.

Lead activist, Comrade Victor Ojei, a.k.a. Wong Box, made the call in a statement sent to our correspondent in Warri.

He said, “The Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 recognizes that the existing model should shift from punitive to reformative, granting judges and magistrates the discretion to impose non-custodial measures in appropriate cases.”

He opined, “Such alternative sentencing options are vital in ensuring that minor offenders are not needlessly detained.”

According to Comrade Ojei, “The law empowers courts to utilize community service, which reduce[s] congestion in prisons,” helps rehabilitate prisoners, and prevents “convicts who commit simple offences from mixing with hardened criminals.”

Comrade Ojei also said, “The law endorses the power of the Prerogative of Mercy, also referred to as clemency, state pardon, or amnesty, as a useful tool in the administration of criminal justice to decongest custodial centres.”

He said Governor Oborevwori should use his office to: “Activate non-custodial sentencing mechanisms, especially for minor and first-time offenders, through community service or probation.

“Expedite the application of the Prerogative of Mercy, granting amnesty or pardon where due, to relieve overcrowded custodial facilities.

“These steps align with the law’s intention to foster efficiency, fairness, and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system and will help in restoring justice and humanity to our penal system.”

Take steps to decongest prisons – Group urges Gov Oborevwori