The Controller of Corrections Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Abdul-Rahman Maiyaki, says virtual sitting of courts will help in decongesting of correctional facilities in the country.
Maiyaki said this on Tuesday, during a meeting with the liason between FCT High Courts and Correctional Service, Justice U. P Kekemeke, in Abuja.
He also appealed to the Chief Judge of FCT to approve for Magistrates to conduct trials at correctional fascilities.
The controller said the slow pace of trials of inmates as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and incessants strikes by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had caused displeasure and tensions among inmates.
“The Criminal Justice Committee of the FCT interacted with the inmates about long standing pandemic and lingering strike of JUSUN. We observe that some inmates are displeased because they are detained without trial. And if their displeasure is not attended to, it could lead to tension and even jail break,” Mayaki said.
“We want your lordship to help us to commence virtual trial in our facilities, and as well approve for Magistrates to be coming to our facilities to sit so that we will be able to address the issues of lingering strkes. Because it is said that Justice delayed is Justice denied.”
He said the measure would go a long way in decongesting correctional fascilities in the FCT.
Mayaki added that even though JUSUN has called off its strike, there was the need to be proactive for the future.
“I want to assure you that judges coming into our fascilities for trials will be safe. Which ever facility that the judge will be coming, either suleja or Kuje, all inmates have been informed that they will not be allowed outside during trials,” the controller said.
“All movements of inmates within the facility will be restricted until after the sitting of the Court. They have been informed and they have accepted.
“Secondly, within the fascilities we have gotten secured places for the judges to sit. The entrance and surrounding of those places will be mounted by armed guards. The only people that would be seen as far as inmates are concerned are those going for trials. These are parts of the security measures we have put in place.
In his reaction, Justice Kekemeke said the FCT High Court practice accommodates virtual trials.
“..Virtual sitting is part of the practice direction that that was issued by the former Chief Judge of FCT before he left. So virtual sitting is part and parcel of the rules of this court,” he said.
“I want to also inform you that during the pandemic some judges delivered judgements through zoom. I delivered one judgement in a criminal matter through zoom. All the lawyers connected. In fact, the defendant was also in attendance, only that we asked to stand up wherever he was while the judgement was being delivered. So it is part of our rules.”
He also assured that he would ensure that Magistrates visit correctional fascilities at least once in month to facilitate decongestion of correctional facilities.
