Justice Chibuzor-Amadi made this statement during a visit to the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre, where he led a team of judges, human rights lawyers, members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) as part of activities marking the opening of the 2024 legal year.

The Chief Judge noted that the National Judicial Council encourages judges to prioritize criminal matters to help decongest correctional facilities, stating that since taking office, his administration has successfully reduced the number of inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Port Harcourt from over four thousand to fewer than two thousand.

Justice Chibuzor-Amadi affirmed that while releasing deserving inmates, they remain committed to justice, compassion, and the rule of law, but however, stressed that the fundamental principles of the justice system, truth, fairness, integrity, and equality before the law, must not be forgotten.     

In his address to the released inmates, the Chief Judge encouraged them to return to their families and strive to become better citizens, but warned them against actions that could lead to their return to prison, reminding them that while judges show empathy, individuals must still be held accountable for offenses against others, organizations, and the state.

Earlier, the outgoing State Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, praised the judiciary under the leadership of Justice Chibuzor-Amadi for its ongoing efforts to ensure justice and decongest correctional facilities.

Today FM’s Uchendu Ejiohwor reports that six inmates awaiting trial were granted pardons during the exercise.

The Chief Judge later paused the exercise to allow the DPP to review case files, noting that many of those listed for release were facing murder charges, while the session was adjourned to a date before December.