Delta A-G, Police Commissioner pledge stronger collaboration on security, justice delivery

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Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, and the state Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, have pledged to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force to address security challenges and improve justice delivery in the state.
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‎The commitment was made, when Ohwovoriole led a delegation from the Ministry of Justice on a courtesy visit to Erale, who recently assumed office as the 25th Commissioner of Police in Delta State.
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‎The Attorney-General was accompanied by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, and other senior management staff of the ministry.
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‎Speaking during the visit, Ohwovoriole stressed the need for stronger cooperation between the ministry and the police to tackle security concerns, particularly sexual offences and human trafficking, which he described as major challenges requiring concerted efforts.
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‎He expressed concern over the difficulties associated with prosecuting sexual offence cases, noting that the reluctance of some witnesses to appear in court and give evidence often undermined efforts to secure justice for victims.
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‎He urged the police to support measures that would encourage witnesses to cooperate with the justice system and ensure that alleged offenders were prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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‎The Attorney-General also called for the deployment of police personnel to High Court premises across the state to strengthen security around court facilities and protect court officials, particularly bailiffs, while serving court processes in criminal matters.
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‎On property protection, Ohwovoriole highlighted the state government’s enactment of the Public and Private Properties Protection Law, designed to safeguard property owners and address unlawful interference with properties across Delta State.
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‎He further disclosed that the ministry was planning to train police officers on the provisions and implementation of the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law to improve their understanding of criminal justice procedures and enhance the administration of justice.
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‎“The synergy between the Ministry of Justice and the police is crucial for the delivery and quick dispensation of justice in the state. This visit signifies our collective dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that every citizen enjoys theirs.
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‎In his response, Erale thanked the Attorney-General and his delegation for the visit, acknowledging the ministry’s support in handling cases instituted by the police.
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‎He said the visit would further strengthen the existing relationship between police personnel and legal officers in the state, adding that both institutions shared the responsibility of protecting lives and property.
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‎Addressing concerns over sexual offences, Erale declared a zero-tolerance policy, assuring the delegation that such cases would be treated seriously and handled in accordance with the law.
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‎On human trafficking, he pledged that the command would operate within the provisions of the law and take all necessary lawful measures to combat the crime across the state.
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‎The police commissioner also assured the delegation that the request for police personnel at High Court premises would be addressed, noting that their deployment would enhance the security of court facilities and protect bailiffs carrying out their official duties.
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‎Erale further disclosed plans to establish a dedicated unit under the Office of the Attorney-General to facilitate coordination and strengthen cooperation between the police and the justice system.
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‎He also assured the ministry of the command’s continued cooperation on matters relating to confessional statements, explaining that police officers had previously undergone relevant training and that capacity-building efforts would continue.