The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, has released 14 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre as part of activities marking the 2026/2027 Legal Year Opening.
The exercise, conducted pursuant to the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) (Special Provisions) Act, is aimed at decongesting the custodial facility.
Justice Chibuzor-Amadi said those released included inmates who had spent periods exceeding the maximum sentence prescribed for their alleged offences, as well as others whose cases had been delayed through no fault of their own.
He urged officials of the correctional facility to protect confidential information, particularly details of inmates scheduled for release, to avoid unnecessary tension.
Addressing the released inmates, the Chief Judge urged them to return to society as ambassadors of peace and good conduct, warning that those who reoffend may not receive a similar opportunity.
Justice Chibuzor-Amadi also cautioned the youths against being used by politicians to cause violence during the political season, noting that young people are often victims of political violence.
The Rivers State Controller of Corrections, Richard Moses-Williams, commended the judiciary for the exercise, describing gaol delivery as an important measure in addressing congestion in custodial facilities.
