The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra yesterday released 49 prisoners.
The special court session at Port Harcourt was in celebration of the state’s 50th year anniversary.
All the freed inmates were “discharged and acquitted”.
They are mainly “awaiting trial” suspects charged with light offences, especially those, either under incarceration for long without trial or those granted bail but were unable to meet their bail conditions.
Justice Laminkanra said the gaol delivery was in accordance with the Criminal Justice Law of Nigeria.
She said the special session was in commemoration of the state’s 50th birthday celebration to pardon those who committed offences and had shown remorse.
The chief judge said Governor Nyesom Wike might, under his constitutional prerogative of mercy, release more inmates, especially those convicted.
Justice Laminkanra said the amnesty was expected to continue today.
She said: “In consonance with time-honoured judicial exercise, a chief judge carries out yearly or quarterly gaol delivery, as contained in and mandated by the provision of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) (Special Provisions) Act Cap 40, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“The concept of jubilee dates back to biblical times where people in bondage received mercy and were set at liberty, as part of the celebration.
“This gaol delivery by me today, is a special one; it is done in commemoration of or to mark Golden Jubilee celebration of Rivers State.
“Rivers State is 50 years old, having been created in May, 1967. This gaol delivery is part of the activities or events marking the Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebration.
“For my part, this celebration is brought to awaiting trial inmates – under the Act as they are part of our society – who should partake and share in the toy of the Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebration.”