In a move aimed at decongesting correctional facilities across Rivers State, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, is set to carry out a jail delivery exercise at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
This was contained in an official statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the Chief Judge is empowered to undertake the exercise under Section 34(1) of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, in accordance with laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The jail delivery process will involve reviewing cases of awaiting trial inmates to determine those eligible for release or expedited legal processes.
In addition to the Port Harcourt exercise, the Chief Judge has approved the deployment of magistrates to the Degema and Ahoada Custodial Centres on Monday, July 7; Tuesday, July 8; and Wednesday, July 9, 2025 to fast-track case hearings and further reduce overcrowding in the facilities.
The initiative is part of a broader judicial reform effort aimed at ensuring the timely dispensation of justice and upholding the rights of detainees, particularly those who have been awaiting trial for extended periods.
Justice Chibuzor-Amadi reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to justice and fairness, noting that no citizen should be denied their liberty without due process.
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