By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Young Nigerian Rights Organization has called on the Delta State justice system to urgently implement measures aimed at decongesting overcrowded prisons across the state.
The group, in a letter addressed to the authorities, said the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 provides for a shift from punitive to reformative justice. According to the law, judges and magistrates can impose non-custodial measures in suitable cases instead of sentencing minor offenders to prison.
The organization noted that community service and other alternatives to imprisonment would help reduce congestion in custodial centres, rehabilitate offenders, and prevent first-time and minor offenders from mingling with hardened criminals.
It further stressed the importance of the Prerogative of Mercy, also known as clemency, pardon, or amnesty, describing it as a useful tool to decongest prisons and advance justice with fairness and humanity.
The rights group urged the justice system to Activate non-custodial sentencing, especially for minor and first-time offenders. And fast-track the use of the Prerogative of Mercy to grant amnesty or pardon where due.
“These steps align with the law’s intention to strengthen rehabilitation and efficiency in the criminal justice system,” the group stated.
The appeal was signed by Comrade Victor Ojei, popularly known as Wong Box Nigeria, Lead Activist of the Young Nigerian Rights Organization. He emphasized that the reforms would restore justice and humanity to the penal system.”