Rivers CJ Frees 14 Prisoners
Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, has ordered the release of 14 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre. This is part of activities marking the 2026/2027 Legal Year Opening and the 2026 Gaol Delivery Exercise. Justice Chibuzor-Amadi, who released the inmates during the visit to the correctional centre, on Tuesday, said […]
In a move aimed at reducing overcrowding in the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre, the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, has ordered the release of 14 inmates. This decision falls under the Legal Year Opening activities and the 2026 Gaol Delivery Exercise. The Chief Judge, who released the inmates during a visit to the correctional facility, stated that the action was taken under the Criminal Justice "Release from Custody Special Provisions Act".
The aim was to alleviate the strain on the custodial facility. The inmates released included those who had served sentences exceeding the maximum allowed for their crimes, as well as others whose cases were delayed despite their innocence. The Chief Judge urged the correctional officials to safeguard sensitive information to prevent unnecessary tension.
He also cautioned the released inmates to return to society peacefully and warned of potential consequences for re-offending. The Chief Judge emphasized the importance of the exercise in reinforcing the judiciary's commitment to decongesting correctional facilities, ensuring fair justice, and upholding the right to a fair hearing.
The Rivers State Controller of Corrections, Richard Moses-Williams, commended the judiciary for their efforts, describing the action as crucial in managing the congestion in custodial facilities.
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