By Ovie Okpare
The Delta State government has inaugurated three mobile courts in Asaba, Warri and Ughelli to try anyone found violating the stay-at-home by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to curtain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three magistrate courts designated for the prosecution of offenders have been inaugurated by the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Marshal Umukoro.
A statement issued by E. Z. Dolor, Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Delta State, said the three designated courts will try offenders in the three senatorial districts in the state.
The statement read, “Sequel to the Stay-at-Home Order of Government issued as a proactive measure to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in Delta State, the general public, especially stakeholders in the Criminal Justice Administration Sector, are hereby informed that in order to give bite to (and ensure maximum compliance with) the said Stay-at-Home Order, the Honourable Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Marshal Umukoro, has designated and inaugurated the following Courts to handle cases arising from violations of the Stay-at-Home Order of Government:
“Chief Magistrate’S Court 1, Asaba: To hear and determine cases emanating from Delta North Senatorial District.
“Chief Magistrate’S Court 1, Ughelli: To hear and determine cases emanating from Delta Central Senatorial District.
“Chief Magistrate’S Court 1, Warri: To hear and determine cases emanating from Delta South Senatorial District.
“The designated Courts above are empowered to operate as mobile courts.”
It called on police, state prosecutors and other stakeholders in the criminal justice sector to file their cases for the prosecution of alleged offenders across the state.
“The Police, State Prosecutors and other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice Sector of Delta State are by this Notice invited to file their cases and prosecute violators of the Stay-at-Home Order in these designated Courts, in order to give full effect to the public health objectives and good intentions of Government.
“Meanwhile, and for the avoidance of doubt, the earlier Directives of the Honourable Chief Judge stipulating, inter alia, strict observance of social distancing in Courts and restricting the number/categories of persons who can be allowed access into our Courts per time remain in force and shall be applicable to the proceedings and activities of the designated Courts herein.
“For further enquiries/clarifications, prosecutors and other stakeholders are advised to contact the Office of the Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Asaba, via 08037279767 or highcourtdeltastate@yahoo. com”, the statement further added.
