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In a shocking case that highlights the deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, a man identified as Gospel Nwibari has finally regained his freedom after being detained for 18 years without trial in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
According to Sahara Reporters, Gospel was arrested at just 14 years old during a police raid in Rivers State in 2007. For nearly two decades, he remained behind bars without ever being formally charged or tried in a court of law. Throughout his incarceration, no legal representation was provided to him, and his case file reportedly went missing—effectively erasing him from the legal system.
His release was made possible through the intervention of the Rivers State Judiciary in collaboration with the Haven360 Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on legal aid and prison reform. Officials from the foundation described his release as “long overdue” and called his case a clear example of gross human rights violation.
Speaking after his release, Gospel was emotional and overwhelmed. He said, “I don’t know how to live again. I’ve been in prison since I was a boy. I lost everything.” Photos shared online showed him weeping as he exited the prison gates.
The case has sparked public outrage, with human rights advocates demanding an urgent audit of all detainees who may be in similar situations. Activists are also calling on the federal government and judiciary to implement stronger policies to prevent prolonged pre-trial detention.
Gospel’s story is a painful reminder of the broken systems that affect thousands of Nigerians languishing in prison without justice. As he begins to rebuild his life, many hope this will mark a turning point for wider reforms in the country’s justice sector.
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