HIGH COURT ADJOURNS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS SUIT OVER ALLEGED 18-YEAR UNLAWFUL DETENTION OF GOSPEL KINANEE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The High Court of Rivers State sitting in Port Harcourt Judicial Division has adjourned to June 16, 2026, the hearing of a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of Mr. Gospel Kinanee, who was allegedly detained within Nigeria’s correctional system for 18 years without trial.
The case, instituted by the Haven360 Community Impact Initiative (Haven360 Foundation), came before Justice Okogbule Gbasam on Monday, following earlier proceedings in which the court granted an adjournment after respondents filed their counter-affidavit on the day of hearing.
According to the foundation, Kinanee disappeared in 2007 at the age of 14 and was later allegedly discovered in a correctional facility in Port Harcourt in 2025, after spending nearly two decades in detention without trial, official documentation, or lawful justification. The organisation further alleged that he suffered severe psychological trauma and mental health challenges as a result of prolonged incarceration.
Speaking after the court session, President of Haven360, Mr. Cyrus Onu, said the suit seeks enforcement of Kinanee’s fundamental human rights and demands ₦10 billion in compensation alongside other reliefs for alleged constitutional violations.
Onu explained that although the matter was initially set for hearing earlier in June, delays in the filing of processes by the respondents necessitated the adjournment. He noted that while the court ultimately exercised discretion to allow fair hearing, the hearing date was shifted to June 16, 2026, to enable proper exchange of filings.
Counsel representing the respondents, Mr. Allen Mbadiwe of the Federal Ministry of Justice, said the adjournment became necessary due to fresh issues raised by the applicants, adding that additional affidavits were required following communication from the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He described the matter as complex, noting that the defence had already been filed but required further response to new submissions before the next hearing date.
The case continues as the court prepares to hear arguments on the alleged prolonged unlawful detention and claims of violation of fundamental human rights.
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