Gospel Kinanee, a 31-year-old man, was wrongly imprisoned
for 18 years without any documentation or charges. He was
just 14 when he was forcefully taken away by policemen and
ended up in prison, where he was known as a "ghost" due to
the lack of records. Haven360 Foundation discovered Gospel
during an outreach visit and worked tirelessly to uncover
his identity and secure his freedom.
After months of investigations, petitions, and letters, the
foundation traced Gospel's family in Ogoni, Rivers State.
His family had been searching for him since his
disappearance in 2007 and had given up hope. The
foundation's efforts led to an emotional reunion between
Gospel and his family.
On July 17, 2025, the Chief Judge of Rivers State formally
discharged Gospel, confirming that no charge had ever
existed. Haven360 Foundation provided financial support for
Gospel's resettlement and medical care. The foundation's
work not only freed Gospel but also restored his dignity and
reclaimed his right to live.
Gospel's story highlights the importance of compassion and
perseverance in the face of bureaucracy. The Haven360
Foundation's efforts demonstrate that even the most
forgotten individuals can be seen and helped. Gospel's
journey serves as a reminder of the foundation's mission to
ensure that no human being is invisible or forgotten.
Abu Saidi's story is a testament to hope and resilience.
Wrongly arrested in 2016 at 18, he spent nine years in
prison without trial or charge. Haven360 Foundation
intervened on June 17, 2024, and advocated for his release.
After two months, justice prevailed, and Abu was granted an
unconditional discharge on August 19, 2024. The court also
offered an unreserved apology.
Following his release, Haven360 Foundation provided Abu with
medical and psychological evaluations, which cleared him
with a clean bill of health. He was reunited with his family
and is now thriving in a meaningful trade. Abu's story
highlights the importance of purposeful intervention and the
impact of collective efforts.
Haven360 Foundation's work demonstrates the power of
compassion and advocacy in transforming lives. Abu's freedom
is a victory not just for him but also for the foundation's
devoted members, volunteers, partners, and sponsors who
supported the cause.
The foundation's mission is to be a light in the darkest
corners and a voice for the unheard. Abu's story serves as a
reminder of the importance of working together towards a
just and fairer world. The foundation's efforts have not
only saved Abu's life but also transformed it, giving him a
new beginning.
The victims of the Blackbox Lounge gender-based violence
incident have accepted a formal apology and financial
settlement from the primary defendant, Mr. Okechi Christian
Maduba on the 23th day of July 2025. After careful
consideration and legal consultation, the victims chose to
withdraw their complaint and bring the matter to a close,
citing the defendant's sincere expression of remorse and
commitment to change.
The resolution was facilitated by Cyrus Onu, Esq., who
represented the victims in his personal capacity as a legal
practitioner and is also the President of Haven360
Foundation. The foundation played a pivotal role in
supporting the victims through legal coordination, emotional
care, and advocacy.
Haven360 Foundation commends Cyrus Onu and his legal team
for their commitment and efforts in pursuing justice for the
victims. The foundation hopes that the defendant has learned
from the experience and that it marks a turning point in his
personal conduct.
The incident highlights the broader crisis of gender-based
violence in society, and the foundation remains committed to
protecting and empowering survivors, holding abusers
accountable, and working towards reform. The foundation
expresses gratitude to the public, Behind Bars Human Rights
Foundation, media organizations, and the Rivers State Police
Command for their solidarity and support.
The foundation emphasizes that justice is not optional and
that the fight against gender-based violence continues. They
will continue to speak up, show up, and stand firm for every
woman who deserves to live free from violence and fear.
A violent incident occurred on June 12, 2025, at Black Box
Lounge in Port Harcourt, where a group of young women were
brutally assaulted by a group of men, including Maduba
Christian Okechi and Skillash. The victims sustained serious
physical injuries, and one was stripped almost naked.
Haven360 Foundation is outraged and appalled by this heinous
act of gender-based violence and has condemned the behavior.
The victims have reached out to Haven360 Foundation's legal
team, which has taken immediate action to pursue legal means
to seek redress. The foundation is committed to supporting
the victims throughout the legal process and fighting for
justice on their behalf. As of now, one of the perpetrators,
Mr. Simeon Maduba, is in police custody.
Haven360 Foundation emphasizes that true justice will only
be served when all individuals involved in the atrocity are
prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The foundation
stands in solidarity with Behind Bars Human Rights
Foundation and demands justice in this matter, as well as an
end to violence against women. The foundation remains
unwavering in its commitment to supporting the victims and
fighting for their rights. The incident highlights the need
for collective action against gender-based violence and the
importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their
actions. Haven360 Foundation's response demonstrates its
dedication to protecting human rights and promoting justice.
Samuel Justice, Victor Poko, and Sokoma, who had been
awaiting trial for over six years, were discharged by the
court after much legal tussle. This discharge story is even
more amazing and fulfilling. David Eddiong, Nwekeala
Chizoba, Innocent Lagbai, Gabriel, and Lokpia, all unjustly
imprisoned for years—especially Nwekeala Chizoba, who has
been incarcerated for over eight years—are now free.
Their cases were particularly troubling, as they had
been wrongly imprisoned without any documentation, leaving
us unable to locate the necessary court that ordered their
remand. For years many of them were not taken to court
because they had no files and their remanding courts were
unascertainable. Despite this daunting situation, our team
did not falter. We persistently petitioned and reached out
to key officials from Rivers State to Abuja.
Eventually, we caught the attention of the Attorney
General of the Federation and the Chief Judge of Rivers
State. Noting our persistence, the Chief Judge made an
unexpected visit to the prison today to specifically inquire
into the case and ordered their discharge. We were at the
Port Harcourt prison late into the day to ensure the
administrative process for their release was completed.
They are now free and being treated to a decent care
by our directors, with plans for rehabilitation and
reunification with their families underway. We want to
express our gratitude to all our esteemed Board members,
Governors, Directors, and supporters for your unwavering
commitment and dedication. We'll update you with more
details in the coming days. A just and fairer world!!!
Today we lost a beneficiary, Sheun. Sheun was about 16 years
old when he was arrested, among 23 persons arrested in a
mass arrest for stealing. Like most persons, he didn't have
the money to bail himself out at the station, and he was
subsequently remanded in 2016. Since then, he hasn't been
taken to court, no complainant, no charge... he had lost
contact with his people in the west. He was among 14 others
who reached out to our foundation for help.
When we took up his case, we discovered that he had no
case file, nobody, even the registrar of the court, knows
which court currently handles his matter. For over 8 years,
he had been wallowing in prison, not going to court,
awaiting help. Every time Sheun calls or every time we see
him at the prison, he's always crying and begging for help.
"I'm suffering here, I'm going to die here, I have never
stolen in my life before, I have never wronged anybody to be
here," he would always say. We tried, and we've been trying,
with the scarce resources we have, in terms of manpower,
finance, and all, unfortunately, we received the sad news of
his passing at the Correctional center today.
He was among 3 boys awaiting trial who just died today. It
feels so bad and so sad. The truth is, we may not really
understand the importance of our work as a foundation until
you probably see things like this. If you know how the
corpses of these persons will be handled, you'll see that
even in death, Sheun and others like him will not find rest
or dignity. Nobody deserves to be treated this way, even so
when they are wrongly accused. We know this is not the kind
of news we would want to hear but it's important we hear it
anyways.
Lets all actively get involved in our work.
Participate in the outreaches, be a part of the change and
hope of someone unjustly imprisoned in your state. Also, you
may think it's small, but your freewill donations of
whatever amount per month will really go a long way in
taking the necessary steps in ensuring the 14 other persons
in Sheun's shoes and many other cases don't end up dead like
him. Please volunteer, participate and Donate.
“On this World Humanitarian Day, we are thrilled to share a
remarkable success story with you all! After being unjustly
imprisoned for over 9 years without trial or formal charges,
Abu Saidi has finally been released thanks to the tireless
efforts of our foundation. Abu Saidi, arrested arbitrarily,
had lost contact with his family in Kano state, who had
assumed the worst. But with our intervention and rigorous
legal process, the court has delivered justice today, and he
is now a free man!
This victory marks the 13th person we've helped secure
their freedom, and it's a testament to our collective
dedication and commitment. we extend our deepest gratitude
to each and every one of our esteemed members for your
unwavering support and hard work. Today's triumph is a
tribute to your selflessness and compassion. Together, we
will continue to make a difference and bring hope to those
who need it most. Congratulations, and let's keep shining a
light for justice and humanity!''
“It pleases us to announce yet another resounding victory
for justice! Abubakar Salisu, unjustly accused and
imprisoned for nearly 8 long years without trial, was
finally exonerated and set free! Thanks to the tireless
efforts of our dedicated team, who worked relentlessly to
ensure that justice prevailed, the Court has ruled in our
favor. This triumph is a testament to our unwavering
commitment to upholding the principles of justice and
equity.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed
members, whose selfless dedication and perseverance have
made this victory possible. Your unwavering support and
contributions have been instrumental in creating a society
where justice thrives. Following his prolonged and unjust
ordeal, Abubakar Salisu is now receiving much-needed medical
attention and care. Due to the extensive physical and
emotional toll of his nearly 8-year imprisonment, he is
currently undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation and
treatment program.
Our dedicated medical team is working closely with him to
address his health needs, and we will soon share a detailed
video report updating you on his progress. We wish Abubakar
a speedy recovery and a brighter Future ahead. Special
commendations go to our distinguished board members,
governors, directors, and members, who have worked
tirelessly behind the scenes to drive our mission forward.
We also salute our vibrant chapters in Port Harcourt, Abuja,
Delta, Calabar, and Lagos, who are actively planning
outreach programs with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication.
Your passion and love for this noble cause are truly
inspiring! Together, we shall continue to champion the cause
of justice and equity, leaving no stone unturned in our
pursuit of a fair and just society for all.”
“As President, I wish to express my profound gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission of ensuring access to justice for all. Your generous contributions have been instrumental in transforming countless lives and strengthening the fabric of our community. In the past 6 months alone, through your support, we have achieved remarkable milestones:
Your partnership goes far beyond mere financial support. You have become integral members of our foundation’s family, sharing our vision of a society where quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status. Whether through monetary donations, pro bono hours, or strategic partnerships, each of you has played a crucial role in building this bridge to justice. I am particularly moved by the stories of impact that emerge from our work. These victories, both large and small, are direct results of your generosity and trust in our mission. To our long-standing supporters: Your consistent faith in our work has enabled us to build sustainable programs and plan for long-term impact. Your loyalty through challenging times has been our cornerstone of stability. To our new partners and donors: Your fresh perspectives and enthusiasm have injected new energy into our foundation. Your decision to join our cause strengthens our resolve and expands our capabilities. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of our entire team and the thousands of beneficiaries we serve, thank you for being champions of justice. Your generosity doesn’t just fund programs – it restores dignity, rebuilds lives, and reinforces the fundamental principle that justice should be accessible to all.”