RismadarVoice Reporters
July 27, 2026
The Rivers State Judiciary has released 23 inmates in the first phase of its 2026 prison decongestion exercise aimed at reducing overcrowding in correctional centres across the state.
According to a statement by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, the exercise followed a directive from the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi.
Magistrates visited correctional centres in Port Harcourt, Ahoada and Degema on July 22 to review inmates’ cases and ensure that eligible detainees were not held beyond the period allowed by law.
The exercise led to the release of 18 inmates from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre and five from the Ahoada Correctional Centre, while no inmate was released from the Degema Correctional Centre.
The Rivers State Judiciary said it remains committed to improving access to justice, protecting the rights of detainees and reducing congestion in custodial centres through regular case reviews and other justice sector reforms.
