The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, has ordered the release of 14 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
The release was part of activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Rivers State Judiciary.The beneficiaries included inmates who had spent longer periods in custody than the sentences they would have received if convicted of the offences for which they were accused.
Others were released after their trials were delayed for reasons beyond their control.Justice Chibuzor-Amadi said the exercise was carried out in accordance with relevant provisions of the law and was aimed at helping to decongest custodial facilities in Rivers State.
He cited Section 1 of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision and Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, as well as Section 341 of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 7 of 2015.
The Chief Judge explained that some of the inmates had remained in custody for years without trial because case files were not transmitted by the police or other security agencies to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice.He added that some inmates’ case files could not be traced by either the police or the Ministry of Justice.
According to him, such inmates should not continue to suffer prolonged detention because of administrative failures.“Those who have been here for years without being tried, not because of what they have done but because of the inability of the police or any of the security agencies to transmit the case file to the Ministry of Justice to vet and deliver their legal advice,” he said.
Justice Chibuzor-Amadi urged the released inmates to return to their communities and become responsible citizens who would promote peace and good conduct.
He warned them against committing further offences that could lead to their return to the custodial centre.The Chief Judge also cautioned the beneficiaries against allowing themselves to be used for political violence during the political season.
He noted that young people often become victims of political violence and urged them to avoid activities that could put their lives and freedom at risk.Justice Chibuzor-Amadi further advised officials of the custodial facility to protect confidential information, particularly details concerning inmates scheduled for release.
He said premature disclosure of such information could create unnecessary tension within and around the facility.Meanwhile, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Rivers State, Richard Moses-Williams, commended the Rivers State Judiciary for the jail delivery exercise.
Moses-Williams said the release of the 14 inmates would help reduce congestion at the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre.He also praised the Chief Judge for personally visiting the facility and overseeing the exercise.
