Table of Contents
- Release of Inmates
- Chief Judge's Statement
- Call for Collaboration
- Remarks by Controller of Correctional Centres
The Rivers State Judiciary has released a total of 150 inmates from Maximum Security Custodial Centres in the state as part of its goal delivery exercise for the 2024/2025 legal year.
During this period, the Magistrate Courts released 109 inmates, while the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, released 41 inmates, bringing the overall total to 150.
This information was shared by the Chief Judge during the release of the final batch of inmates at the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre on Wednesday, coinciding with activities that mark the beginning of the 2025/2026 legal year.
Justice Amadi stated that this initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding in custodial centres throughout the state.
The Chief Judge emphasized that this initiative is both constitutional and humanitarian, grounded in the authority granted to the Chief Judge “under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State.”
He elaborated that the action seeks to release inmates who have been held without trial for extended periods, have missing case files, or whose cases are eligible for reconsideration.
Justice Amadi also urged for enhanced collaboration among the Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and the Correctional Service to ensure thorough investigations and prompt delivery of justice.
He advised the released inmates to refrain from returning to criminal activities and to “become ambassadors of a better society.”
In his comments, the Controller of Correctional Centres, Rivers State Command, Felix Madumere, praised the judiciary for its efforts in alleviating congestion in facilities, promoting justice, and providing hope to those awaiting trial.
Madumere also advocated for “the establishment of a Board of Prerogative of Mercy” and the enhancement of infrastructure, particularly for death row inmates and life sentences, asserting that such measures would further assist in decongesting custodial centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the inmates released?
The inmates were released to alleviate overcrowding in custodial centres and to free those who had overstayed without trial, had missing case files, or whose cases warranted reconsideration.
What is the role of the Chief Judge in this initiative?
The Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, is responsible for overseeing the release of inmates and ensuring that the initiative aligns with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Rivers State.
What did the Controller of Correctional Centres suggest?
The Controller, Felix Madumere, suggested the establishment of a Board of Prerogative of Mercy and the need for improved infrastructure for death row inmates and lifers to further alleviate congestion in custodial centres.
