Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, has said the state is strengthening its security architecture and creating a more conducive environment for investment through the development of a comprehensive criminal database.
Ohwovoriole disclosed this in Asaba while receiving the First Vice President-Elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Oghenero Okoro, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Okoro’s visit was to appreciate the Attorney-General for his support and cooperation as the official leader of the Bar in Delta State during the recently concluded NBA national elections. The visit also provided an opportunity for the Attorney-General to formally present him with his certificate of return as First Vice President-Elect.
Speaking on ongoing reforms in the state’s justice sector, Ohwovoriole said the criminal database, which is nearing completion, would capture the biometric details of all persons charged with criminal offences, thereby creating a reliable and permanent record for law enforcement and public safety.
According to him, the initiative is modelled after similar systems in other jurisdictions, including Lagos State, and is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen security and improve investor confidence in Delta.
He said no criminal charge would be processed in the state without first obtaining the biometric details of the suspect, adding that the records would be preserved regardless of whether the individual was eventually convicted.
“The system will enable employers, investors and other stakeholders to verify whether an individual has a history of criminal involvement before engaging in employment or business transactions,” he said.
The Attorney-General also disclosed that the state government had enacted legislation to encourage private investment in electricity infrastructure and other critical sectors.
He explained that under the law, individuals and organisations that finance and install electricity infrastructure, including transformers, would retain ownership of such facilities to the extent provided by the legislation and would be entitled to reimbursement by the relevant electricity distribution company in accordance with its provisions.
Ohwovoriole said the measure was intended to provide greater protection for private investors while encouraging individuals, businesses and organisations to participate in the development of critical infrastructure across the state.
He said the combination of justice-sector reforms, stronger security measures and policies that protect private investment would further position Delta State as a safe and attractive destination for investors.
