Rivers judiciary frees 23 inmates to ease prison congestion
A total of 23 inmates have been released from correctional centres in Rivers State as part of a jail delivery exercise. The initiative, led by the Rivers State Judiciary, aims to reduce overcrowding in custodial facilities. David Ihua-Maduenyi announced that the exercise took place on July 22, 2026, following the directive of Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi. This marks the first phase of the 2026 prison decongestion programme in the state.
What happened
- 23 inmates were freed from correctional centres in Rivers State during a jail delivery exercise on July 22, 2026.
- 18 inmates were released from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, while five were freed from the Ahoada Correctional Centre.
- The exercise was carried out by magistrates under the directive of Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi.
- David Ihua-Maduenyi stated that the judiciary will continue periodic case reviews to protect detainees' rights and promote access to justice.
- The first phase of the 2026 prison decongestion programme was conducted by a team of chief and senior magistrates.
