A Rivers State man, Gospel Kinanee, has been reunited with his family 18 years after he disappeared as a 14-year-old in 2007. Gospel was among 21 inmates released from the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre during the Rivers State Jail Delivery Exercise led by Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi.
His family said they searched extensively for him, including visits to police stations, and had twice visited the correctional centre where he was eventually found.
The family discovered that while they knew him as Gospel Kinanee, the correctional centre’s records identified him as Baridi Sunday. He had no formal trial or legal representation during his detention. His mental health is now the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.
Key Points:
A young man’s life was lost to 18 years of unexplained detention
His family suffered decades of anguish despite searching for him
A wrongful identity at the correctional centre may have prevented his recognition
The case raises serious questions about Nigeria’s justice system
The jail delivery exercise finally brought freedom to 21 inmates, including Gospel
Gospel’s mental health is now the subject of litigation. Questions remain about the circumstances of his disappearance, detention, identity, and treatment over 18 years.
Sources: Arise News
RIVERS YOUTH FOUND 18 YEARS AFTER DISAPPEARANCE
Gospel Kinanee, at 14 years old, left home one night and never returned. His family says their search for him took them to police stations, but to no avail.
His brother says the correctional centre where he has now been found was… pic.twitter.com/N7sFeMS58y
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) July 3, 2026
