Prison Decongestion Exercise Frees 18 Detainees After Years Without Trial in Rivers State

Prison decongestion exercise secured the release of more than 18 detainees in Rivers State, including several people who had spent years in custody without trial. The prison decongestion exercise, led by magistrates of the Rivers State Judiciary with support from Haven360 Foundation, focused on indigent inmates facing prolonged detention.

Among those freed was Lucky Nanee, who was arrested in 2018 as a teenager during a mass raid. Although he was never convicted, he remained in prison for more than eight years. Sadly, he lost his only sister while in custody.

Following the prison decongestion exercise, Haven360 Foundation said all released beneficiaries would receive medical care, rehabilitation and reintegration support. The foundation praised the Rivers State Judiciary for strengthening access to justice and protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens.