108
By Lizzy Chirkpi
A total of 123 inmates have regained their freedom from various custodial centres across Akwa Ibom State following a three-day facility tour by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot.
The release exercise, which began on Monday, July 14, and concluded on Thursday, July 17, spanned custodial centres in the three senatorial districts in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket.
Of the total inmates freed, 62 were discharged on health grounds, while others were released due to prolonged detention, minor offences, or lack of diligent prosecution.
A breakdown of the release shows that four inmates were discharged from the Ikot Abasi centre, 17 from Eket, 29 from Ikot Ekpene, and a staggering 73 from the Uyo custodial centre.
Speaking during the exercise, Justice Obot expressed concern over the high number of awaiting trial inmates, some of whom had no formal charges filed against them, while others had been in custody far beyond the duration of their potential sentences.
“This exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure that no person is unjustly detained without due process,” she said.
A poignant case was that of Etieno Okon, who was just 15 years old when he was arrested and had spent five years in detention without trial on a charge of cultism.
The Chief Judge noted that several inmates committed petty offences that did not warrant the lengthy detention they had endured.
She therefore released some inmates on compassionate grounds, urging them to shun all forms of criminality and reintegrate peacefully into society.
Justice Obot further charged prosecutors to respect the rights of suspects and ensure timely and diligent prosecution to prevent unnecessary infringements on the liberty of citizens.
She commended the Judges, Magistrates, court staff, and the Controller of the Correctional Service in the state, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, for their dedication throughout the three-day tour. She also offered prayers for the quick recovery of those released on medical grounds and strength for those still in custody.
In his response, Controller Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge for her intervention and goodwill, while highlighting major challenges confronting the correctional facilities—including dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate logistics to convey inmates to court.
He appealed to Governor Umo Eno to extend support to the centres to improve inmates’ welfare and operational capacity.