Man wrongfully arrested at 14 finally regains freedom after 18 years in Rivers prïson

One Gospel Uebari Kinanee, a Nigerian man who was wrongfully arrested at the age of 14, has finally regained his freedom after spending 18 years in prison without any official charges or legal documentation.

His ordeal began in 2007 when he was forcibly taken by police following a dispute with a powerful neighbor in Ogoni, Rivers State.

For nearly two decades, Kinanee languished in prison as a “ghost prisoner,” with no arrest records, case files, or trial history. His case came to light in September 2024 when the Haven360 Foundation, a justice-focused humanitarian group, discovered him during an outreach visit to a correctional facility.

The foundation launched a relentless campaign to secure his release, tracing his family and petitioning authorities.

On July 17, 2025, the Chief Judge of Rivers State formally discharged him, acknowledging his wrongful detention and reuniting him with his family, who had long assumed he was dead .

Kinanee’s release was part of a broader effort by the Rivers State judiciary to address overcrowding in correctional facilities, where inmates often endure inhumane conditions due to systemic failures.

The Chief Judge emphasized the need for reforms to prevent prolonged detentions without trial, highlighting Kinanee’s case as a stark example of justice denied.

Now in his early 30s, Kinanee faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life after losing his formative years to wrongful imprisonment. The Haven360 Foundation has provided financial support and is arranging psychological and medical care to aid his recovery.

His story underscores the urgent need for accountability in the criminal justice system and the devastating consequences of its failures, particularly for vulnerable individuals like children swept into its depths .