In a major step toward tackling prolonged detentions and prison overcrowding, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, on Thursday launched the state’s jail delivery exercise by releasing 21 inmates from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre—including a man who spent 18 years in custody without trial.
One of the released inmates, Gospel Nwibari, was arrested in 2007 at just 14 years old and had remained behind bars ever since, without access to legal representation or a formal trial. His case gained particular attention during the exercise, which is part of a wider effort under the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law to reduce prison congestion and reform the justice system.
Justice Amadi revealed that many freed inmates had no case files or verifiable charges. While some were originally accused of serious crimes like murder and armed robbery, he stressed the importance of due process.
“Many of these inmates had no case files and no means to trace the charges against them. Continuing to detain them serves no justice purpose,” he stated.
He explained that all releases followed recommendations from correctional officials and verification by the Department of Public Prosecution after thorough reviews.
Addressing the released prisoners, Justice Amadi urged them to embrace a new path but warned reintegration into society might be challenging.
“Society may not always be forgiving. But the law must remain just and humane,” he said.
Felix Madumere, Controller of Corrections for Rivers State, highlighted the critical overcrowding at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, originally built for 1,800 inmates but currently housing over 2,500.
“If the state fails to act, we may have to temporarily stop admitting inmates to prevent a system breakdown,” Madumere warned.
