Chief Judge Releases 100 Inmates in Akwa Ibom

Hon. Justice Ekaet Fabian Obot, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, released a total of 100 inmates from four medium security custodial facilities in the state following a week-long inspection.

The release, which occurred at the end of the first quarter of the year, included inmates from Ikot Abasi (8), Eket (27), Ikot Ekpen (2), and Uyo (63). Justice Obot reviewed thousands of case files and released inmates on compassionate grounds, particularly considering health issues and cases where charges were not diligently prosecuted.

She emphasized the need for inmates to maintain good conduct and refrain from returning to crime. Among the released were four inmates whose cases were not processed due to missing files and six others who were wrongfully charged.

Notably, 20 inmates at the Uyo Custodial Centre suffered serious health conditions, including Godwin Franci Etim, who battled tuberculosis. Magdalen Bassei Edet, who had completed her 10-year sentence, was also granted release.

Justice Obot criticized the practice of police officers obtaining remand orders without returning cases to court and urged magistrates to proactively manage case dates.