Rivers moves to decongest prisons, release 22 inmates

As part of its initiatives to alleviate overcrowding in the heavily congested prisons of Rivers State, the state government has taken the step of releasing 22 inmates, directing them to vacate the correctional facilities immediately.

These 22 inmates, who were serving sentences at the Ahoada and Port Harcourt Nigerian Correctional facilities, have had their fines fully covered by the Rivers State Government. As a result, they have been given the opportunity to leave the facilities and are encouraged to refrain from engaging in criminal activities in the future.

It’s important to highlight that the 22 inmates who were released had their legal cases concluded, and they were presented with the option of paying fines that were below one million naira.

During the release procedure at the Port Harcourt Correctional Center, Chief Magistrate Rita Oguguo addressed the situation. She explained that the decision to release these inmates is aligned with the State government’s broader efforts to alleviate the overcrowding in correctional facilities.

Chief Magistrate Oguguo disclosed that the release of the inmates was in accordance with a resolution that emerged from a meeting between the Minister of Interior and various state governors. This resolution was aimed at reducing the congestion in Nigeria’s Correctional facilities.

Oguguo provided counsel to the beneficiaries, urging them to become responsible contributors to society. She reminded them that if they were to find themselves incarcerated once again, they might not be as fortunate to receive a second chance.

Adding to this, the state comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Center, Alex Oditah, conveyed a message of appreciation. He commended both the Rivers State government and the state judiciary for their ongoing endeavors to alleviate the strain on correctional facilities through various measures.