- Out of those released, eight regained freedom due to health concerns, while 29 were discharged on compassionate grounds
- Addressing those freed, she advised them to maintain good conduct and avoid actions that could lead to their return to custody
- However, she was placed under a six-month probation with supervision to monitor her behaviour
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaete Fabian-Obot, on Thursday approved the release of 37 inmates held in correctional facilities across the state, pointing to extended detention periods and weak prosecution of cases.
Eko Hot Blog exclusively report that the decision was delivered virtually during her routine inspection of custodial centres located in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot-Ekpene. The inspection exercise, which started earlier in the week, will conclude with a visit to the Uyo facility.
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Out of those released, eight regained freedom due to health concerns, while 29 were discharged on compassionate grounds and because their cases lacked proper prosecution.
The breakdown showed that two inmates were freed from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket, and the remaining 27 from Ikot-Ekpene.
During court sittings held within the facilities, Justice Fabian-Obot criticized the prolonged detention of suspects without trial, describing it as unconstitutional. After examining several case files, she granted unconditional release to many detainees.
Addressing those freed, she advised them to maintain good conduct and avoid actions that could lead to their return to custody, noting that several of the charges against them were either exaggerated or not diligently pursued.
One of the beneficiaries, an 18-year-old identified as Charity Augustine, had spent over a year in detention facing multiple counts related to theft. Considering her age and the minor nature of the alleged offence, stealing garri, the judge granted her release on compassionate grounds.
However, she was placed under a six-month probation with supervision to monitor her behaviour.
Two other inmates, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, were also released from the Ikot Abasi facility before completing their sentences. They were instructed to report back to the centre every three months as part of conditions to ensure compliance and good behaviour.
Several other detainees who had spent more than three years awaiting trial for minor offences, including assault, fighting, and theft of farm produce, were also freed. Some individuals arrested during the EndSARS protests were among those released.
Justice Fabian-Obot urged lawyers and law enforcement agencies to handle cases more efficiently to reduce delays that contribute to overcrowding in correctional facilities.
She also emphasized the need for proper reintegration support, stressing that released individuals should not be abandoned but assisted in returning safely to their communities.
Meanwhile, officials overseeing the facilities raised concerns about deteriorating conditions and overcrowding.
At the Ikot-Ekpene centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections Boniface Momoh revealed that the facility, built to accommodate 400 inmates, currently holds more than 700.
He highlighted key challenges such as insufficient water supply and lack of operational vehicles, issues made worse by rising fuel costs.
Momoh appealed for government intervention and called on the state governor, Umo Eno, to address the worsening situation in the state’s custodial centres.
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