One hundred and eighty-one inmates across the three correctional centres in Rivers State have been given pardon by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi. 

The CJ announced this at the close of  a two-day goal delivery exercise at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Center on Friday. He said the exercise was part of efforts to “decongest” the correctional centres across the state. The Chief Judge who was represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Litigation, Meneme Friday Poronon, said the exercise was a prelude to “the 2022/2023 state legal year ceremony”. He explained that the inmates granted pardon were also “discharged and acquainted” from their offences.

Chief Magistrate Poronon further disclosed that the CJ will embark on another round of goal delivery exercise on the 22nd of March 2023 as part of activities put together to celebrate the 2022/2023 legal year” in the state.

He also instructed the freed inmates to turn a new life and be responsible, adding that the gesture was part of the new measures put in place to “reform the judiciary and the administration of criminal justice”. The freed inmates were those standing trial for minor cases and those awaiting trials.

Ada Peter