diff --git a/codex/slots/proofs/backends/circomcompat.nim b/codex/slots/proofs/backends/circomcompat.nim
index 2bc7f433..780921ca 100644
--- a/codex/slots/proofs/backends/circomcompat.nim
+++ b/codex/slots/proofs/backends/circomcompat.nim
@@ -88,6 +88,10 @@ proc prove*[H](
   var
     backend: ptr CircomCompatCtx
 
+  defer:
+    if backend != nil:
+      backend.addr.releaseCircomCompat()
+
   if initCircomCompat(
     self.backendCfg,
     addr backend) != ERR_OK or backend == nil:
@@ -169,9 +173,6 @@ proc prove*[H](
       if proofPtr != nil:
         proofPtr.addr.releaseProof()
 
-      if backend != nil:
-        backend.addr.releaseCircomCompat()
-
   success proof
 
 proc verify*(