THE Edo Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, has stressed the need for a Forensic Laboratory to be established in the state, to hasten quick dispensation of justice.

Ikponmwen, who received the Edo Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed DanMallam, who was on a courtesy visit to her office on Tuesday, said that the establishment of the laboratory in the state could not be over-emphasised.

She advised the CP to take up the suggestion with the Edo Government.

The Chief Judge commended the CP on his achievements in the fight against crime and criminality since his assumption of office, and urged him to sustain the tempo.

She noted that the Magistrates’ Courts were supposed to be courts of summary jurisdiction, and suspects are expected to appear before Magistrates within 48 hours.

Justice Ikpomwen also said that Investigative Police Officers (IPO) should be made aware that the rule of law must be obeyed, and the rights of suspects not infringed upon.

She also called for the beef up of security in the judges’ quarters.

Ikponmwen noted that the collaboration between the Judiciary and the Police could not be over-emphasised.

The Chief Judge said that lack of witnesses in courts hampered the quick dispensation of justice, identifying sudden transfers of police officers as a major challenge to the quick dispensation of justice.

Earlier, DanMallam said that the courtesy visit was informed by the important role the judiciary plays in the dispensation of justice.

He also said the visit was to seek ways of partnership with the judiciary in combating crime and criminality in the state. (NAN)

– May 28, 2019 @ 16:39 GMT |