IN an effort to reduce congestion in correctional facilities in the state, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has ordered the release of 44 inmates, including two women, from various correctional facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Six inmates were released from the Ikot Abasi center, five from the Eket custodial center, eleven from the Ikot Ekpene center, and 24, including the two females, were pardoned at the Uyo custodial center.
These releases took place during Justice Obot’s first inspection visit to the correctional facilities.
While reviewing case files at the chapel in the Uyo center yesterday, Justice Obot noted that many of those released had minor offenses and had been detained for extended periods without trial. Some inmates were released on compassionate and health grounds.
The offenses listed in their case files included theft of palm fruits and cassava, as well as assault and fighting.
One inmate, Otuekong Essien, who had been held for four months for allegedly stealing cassava tubers and was suffering from a perforated ulcer and appendicitis, was released on health grounds at the Ikot Abasi center.
Another individual, 28-year-old Shadrach Hanson, who had been in custody for over a year for stealing his mother’s cooking pot, was also set free.
“I don’t think your situation warrants spending one year and four months in custody. You are hereby released unconditionally. Please ensure you behave well and avoid any actions that would lead you back here,” the Chief Judge told Hanson.
For Kufre Sylvester and others charged with cultism and conspiracy, their case files were missing. Upon ruling on their cases, the Chief Judge stated, “Your case files cannot be found, and keeping you here would violate your fundamental rights. Therefore, you are released unconditionally.”
Justice Obot emphasized that while she supports the effort to decongest correctional facilities, she would not authorize the release of anyone convicted of violent or serious crimes.
She urged the state Controller of Corrections, Julius Ezegwu, to focus on the reform and rehabilitation of inmates, insisting on the importance of providing them with skills training and educational opportunities.
Justice Obot advocated for the establishment of schools within correctional centers and vowed to discuss this initiative with Governor Umo Eno.
“I have noticed during my visits that there are training facilities available for inmates, but we must go further. We should establish educational institutions so that teenagers and those willing can be enrolled. This will help secure their future. We should not entirely condemn them for their circumstances. I support the inclusion of both vocational training and formal education,” Justice Obot stated.
Ezegwu expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge for her visit and called for efforts to repair the dilapidated facilities and vehicles.
