Rivers Family Seeks ₦10bn After Man Allegedly Spends 18 Years in Prison Without Trial

A family in Rivers State has filed a ₦10 billion lawsuit against the government after their relative, identified as Gospel Kinamee, was allegedly released from prison after spending 18 years in custody without trial.

According to the family, Gospel was just 14 years old when he left home and mysteriously disappeared. Despite extensive efforts to locate him including visits to police stations, correctional centres, hospitals, and mortuaries his whereabouts remained unknown for nearly two decades.

The breakthrough came in 2026 during the Rivers State Jail Delivery Exercise led by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi. A lawyer reportedly informed Gospel’s brother to check whether he was among the 21 inmates scheduled for release from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.

Upon arrival, the family identified Gospel, bringing an end to their 18-year search. However, his brother expressed concern over his mental condition following his prolonged detention.

The case took another dramatic turn when the family discovered that while they knew him as Gospel Kinamee, prison records identified him as Baridi Sunday. According to police records, Baridi Sunday was a 22-year-old suspect who had been arrested for alleged armed robbery, raising questions over whether a case of mistaken identity or record mix-up occurred.

The family is now seeking ₦10 billion in compensation and damages, alleging that Gospel was unlawfully detained for 18 years without trial.

Authorities have yet to publicly respond to the family’s claims, while the circumstances surrounding the alleged identity discrepancy and prolonged detention remain under scrutiny.