By Tina Amanda
Twenty-two inmates serving at Ahoada and Port Harcourt Nigerian Correctional facilities in Rivers State, whose fines have been paid by the state government have regained their freedom.
Our correspondent reports that the released inmates are those whose cases have been determined and were given the option of fines below one million naira.
Speaking during the event at the Port Harcourt Correctional Center, Chief Magistrate, Rita Ogugua who represented the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, said the release of the inmates is part of government efforts to decongest the correctional facilities.
Chief Magistrate Ogugua disclosed that the gesture by the state government is part of the resolution of a meeting between the Minister of Interior and governors forum towards decongesting Nigeria Correctional facilities.
“The government of Rivers State through the office of the Attorney General of the state in order to decongest the Port correctional center paid a fine for some inmates. We are here to effect the release of the inmates which is in line with what is happening nationally.
“We thank the Governor of Rivers State, the Chief of the state for directing some Magistrate to effect the release of these inmates”.
She however advised the beneficiaries to be responsible citizens to the society, as they may not be lucky to have such an opportunity, should they be involved in any crime that bring them back to the prison.
In his goodwill message, the State Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Center, Alex Oditah, commended the Rivers State government and state judiciary for their continuous effort aimed at decongesting the facilities.
“I wish to state that the Rivers State Governor have graciously come to the aid of this correctional institution. We have some inmates penciled for fine bail out of the thirteen (13) of them four (4) were still remaining and the four have been duly released by the decongestion team.
“We want to thank the Governor of the state for coming to the aid of the facility and making this day a reality in the life of the inmates.
“On behalf of the inmates we want to thank you and we promised that they will not commit again, but if they should commit we will bring them forth before the Chief Judge to see that they are back, so they would not enjoy such privilege again”.
According to our correspondent representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Department of Public Prosecutions, Human Rights Groups, International Federation of Women Lawyers amongst other groups were present during the event.
