15 Walk Free From Warri Prison As Humanitarian Intervention Pays Millions In Fines
By UCHE OGBODO
FIFTEEN inmates have walked out of the Warri Correctional Centre after a humanitarian intervention led by Comrade Reuben Izeze and supported by FOOSTODEY.
The intervention secured their release through the payment of court-imposed fines running into millions of naira.
FOOSTODEY carried out the effort under its “UKODO NA TẸVWẸ” welfare initiative.
The beneficiaries had received sentences that included options of fines. However, they reportedly remained behind bars because they could not raise the money.
Their situation came to Izeze’s attention during a visit to the correctional centre.
He reportedly spent several days interacting with inmates and discovered that more than 20 people faced continued detention because of their inability to pay court-imposed fines.
The discovery highlighted a difficult reality for many vulnerable inmates.
A legal pathway to freedom existed.
Yet, poverty stood between them and their release.
Izeze subsequently brought the matter to the attention of FOOSTODEY.
The organisation intervened and paid the outstanding fines for 15 inmates.
On Monday 24 August 2026, the beneficiaries regained their freedom after completing the necessary procedures.
The development reunited them with families who had waited for their return.
Tisha Ejekanshe Matthew, ACA, Special Assistant on Community Relations, described the intervention as an effort to restore hope and dignity.
Speaking for FOOSTODEY and Izeze, he said the objective went beyond paying fines.
The intervention, he said, aimed to give the beneficiaries an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Matthew added that targeted humanitarian programmes can directly change the circumstances of people facing hardship and vulnerability.
The released inmates welcomed the intervention with gratitude.
They thanked FOOSTODEY and Izeze for stepping in at a time when they had little hope of raising the required money.
Several beneficiaries said their time in custody had given them an opportunity to reflect on their actions.
They pledged to make better choices.
They also promised to live responsibly and remain within the law.
The beneficiaries thanked the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for what they described as its people-focused approach to governance and welfare.
Meanwhile, additional support came from Pastor Vincent Udume Odogbor, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mass Mobilisation.
He provided transport logistics to help the released inmates travel safely to their various communities.
The support ensured that their journey did not end with their release from custody.
Instead, it helped them take the next practical step — returning home.
The intervention offers a wider lesson about the role of humanitarian organisations, public officials and private citizens in supporting vulnerable people.
For some of the beneficiaries, a lack of money had extended their time behind bars despite the existence of court-approved fine options.
FOOSTODEY and Izeze changed that situation for 15 people.
Their release now offers them another chance.
Whether that chance becomes a lasting new beginning will depend largely on the choices they make after returning to society.
For now, however, 15 people have left the walls of the Warri Correctional Centre behind and returned to their families with a renewed opportunity to build a better future.
