123 custodial inmates regain freedom in Akwa Ibom State

IKECHUKWU AGBAMEGBUE, UYO

As part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, has ordered the release of 123 inmates across the correctional facilities in the three senatorial districts of the state.

The inmates regained freedom during the 2025 2nd quarterly inspection visit of the State Chief Judge to the four custodial centres in the State.

The 3-day exercise covered the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo. Justice Obot was accompanied by a robust delegation comprising judicial officers, prosecutors, Legal Aid Council representatives, Nigerian Bar Association officials, and human rights observers. His Lordship meticulously reviewed cases involving inmates held for prolonged periods or under questionable legal circumstances.

Four of the inmates regained freedom in Ikot Abasi Medium Security custodial centre, 17 in Eket Medium Security custodial centre, 29 were freed in Ikot Ekpene Medium Security custodial centre while 73 inmates, were pardoned in Uyo Medium Security custodial centre. The releases were based on various grounds including overstayed remand durations, lack of diligent prosecution, ill health, missing case files, and compassionate considerations.

While Some other inmates were released on compassionate grounds, 50 were released on health grounds as recommended by Doctor in Charge of NCS Akwa Ibom State, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Medicals, Dr Christian Nyong.

Speaking during the exercise, Justice Obot emphasized the significance of jail delivery in safeguarding justice and fundamental human rights. “This exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure that no person is unjustly detained without due process,” she stated.

Justice Obot, who went through all the case files at the recommendation of advocates and correction officials, observed that most of the beneficiaries had minor offences and had stayed in custody for too long without trial.

Their offences, according to their case files, ranged from stealing palm fruits, and cassava, to assault, and fighting, among others.

“I do not consider it serious enough for you to have stayed so long without tial in custody. You are hereby released unconditionally. Make sure you are on good behaviour and don’t do anything that will make you come back here,” the CJ told the released inmates.

Ruling on their matters of those with missing case files, the CJ said, “Your case files cannot be found and keeping you here will amount to the breach of your fundamental rights. It’s on this premise that you are released unconditionally.”

Justice Obot said as much as she would love the correctional facilities to be decongested, she would not release anyone who had committed violent and major crimes.

She advocated the need and the importance to start practicing restorative justice system as implemented in other climes to restart and reconcile relationships, noting that majority of the cases in the state stems from minor misunderstandings leading to trumped up charges against most inmates.

She charged the state Controller of Corrections, Mr Frank Okonkwo, to ensure full reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, while commending men and officers of the command for efforts in taking care of inmates.

The Chief Judge also lauded the efforts of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions as well as the Police Legal Team for being diligent, taking out time to sought out cases files amongst others.

“I want to thank the DPP and O.C Legal for a job well done, they have really impressed me and my brother Judges they have done well making the job easier and lighter for me this time around.”

The Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr Frank Okonkwo, in a remark, expressed deep appreciation for the Chief Judge’s visit and intervention, showing compassion to the inmates. “This timely exercise brings relief to our facilities, restores hope to many, and underscores the importance of periodic judicial reviews,” he remarked.

Mr Okonkwo further lauded the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to justice reform and inter-agency collaboration. He appealed to the Chief Judge to facilitate the approval of pending requests to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for the provision of operational vehicles, repair of existing ones, and supply of beddings—especially critical during the current cold season.