Over two thousand awaiting trial inmates have been set free in Delta State, following the completion of a month-long prison visitation exercise by the state’s Chief Judge, CJ, Justice Marshal Umukoro.

Justice Umukoro in his closing remarks at the Ogwashi-Uku Medium Security Custodial Center, decried the high number of youths between the ages of seventeen to twenty-five in the prisons, while urging parents to live up to their responsibilities to address the current threats to family values.

The CJ harped on the pressure on witnesses not to testify in court, especially rape victims, which he noted was a hindrance to serving justice to offenders.

He highlighted other challenges leading to delays in prosecution of cases and prison congestion.

The Chief Judge of Delta State had earlier visited the Warri, Sapele and Agbor Correctional Centers.

Others prisons visited are the Kwale Prisons and the finale at Ogwashi-uku custodial facility.

Twenty two persons were also released on bail during the process.

Oghenero Eghweree