In a striking example of delayed justice, Gospel Nwibari, a man who spent 18 years in detention without trial, was freed on Thursday as the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, flagged off a state-wide jail delivery initiative.
Nwibari, who was just 14 years old when he was arrested in 2007, had languished in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre ever since without formal charges or access to legal representation.
His case was among 21 inmates released during the commencement of the exercise, which is part of efforts under the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law to address prolonged detentions and prison overcrowding.
Justice Amadi highlighted the alarming reality that many detainees had no case files or traceable charges, yet remained in custody for years. While some faced serious allegations such as murder and robbery, he maintained that due process must not be compromised
“Many of these inmates had no documented charges. Keeping them in custody indefinitely does not serve justice,” Amadi said.
He confirmed that all releases were subject to vetting by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) and were based on recommendations from correctional authorities following detailed reviews.
The judge also advised the freed inmates to embrace reform and avoid reoffending, acknowledging that community reintegration might pose challenges due to the stigma surrounding their cases.
“Justice must be fair and humane. Society may struggle to forgive, but the law must not forget compassion,” he added.
Felix Madumere, Controller of Corrections for Rivers State, expressed concern over the facility’s dire conditions. Built to house 1,800 inmates, the Port Harcourt centre now holds over 2,500, raising significant logistical and human rights concerns.
“Without urgent action, we risk a total collapse of the correctional system,” Madumere warned.
The emotional highlight of the event came with the release of Nwibari. His brother, Paul Kinani, said the family had given up hope after years of searching.
“We thought he was dead. When Haven360 Foundation contacted us, it felt like a miracle,” Kinani said tearfully, noting that Gospel would undergo immediate medical and psychological assessment.
Barr. Cyrus Onu, President of the Haven360 Foundation the legal advocacy group that uncovered Nwibari’s case in 2020 described the release as a landmark moment for justice reform in the state.
“He was a child forgotten by the system. We’ve also helped free a mentally ill woman held since 2022 in Etche. These are lives trapped by systemic neglect,” Onu said.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration, especially for detainees with mental health challenges.
Justice Amadi concluded by pledging that the jail delivery initiative would continue across other correctional centres in Rivers State as part of a broader mission to uphold justice and human dignity.
The event drew participation from the Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Correctional Service, FIDA, legal aid organisations, and human rights groups all united in the mission to bring justice to those unjustly forgotten behind bars.
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