According to Madumere, the facility, originally built to accommodate 1,800 inmates, is currently holding over 2,500 inmates, creating major logistical and human rights challenges. 

The Controller of Corrections for Rivers State, Felix Madumere, has warned that the Nigeria Correctional Service may be forced to halt inmate admissions temporarily at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre due to severe overcrowding.

According to Madumere, the facility, originally built to accommodate 1,800 inmates, is currently holding over 2,500 inmates, creating major logistical and human rights challenges. 

"If the state fails to act, we may be forced to halt inmate admissions temporarily to prevent a system breakdown," Madumere warned.

The warning came as the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, flagged off the state's jail delivery exercise with the release of 21 inmates from the centre. Among those released was Gospel Nwibari, who was arrested in 2007 at the age of 14 and had spent 18 years in detention without trial.

Justice Amadi explained that many of the released inmates had no case files or traceable charges, and that continuing to detain them served no justice purpose. 

He urged the released inmates to turn a new leaf and avoid falling back into crime.

The jail delivery exercise aims to decongest prisons and correct delays in the legal process. 

The judiciary has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of detainees and reforming systemic inefficiencies within the criminal justice system.