AKWA IBOM CJ FREES 37 INMATES OVER HEALTH, COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates from custodial centres across the state as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and uphold justice.

The directive was issued on Thursday during her ongoing routine inspection of custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot-Ekpene. The exercise, which began earlier in the week, is expected to conclude with a visit to the Uyo custodial centre.

Of the inmates released, eight were freed on health grounds, while 29 regained their freedom on compassionate grounds and for lack of prosecution.

A breakdown shows that two inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket, and 27 from Ikot-Ekpene custodial centre.

Speaking during court sessions held at the facilities, Justice Fabian-Obot emphasised that it is unconstitutional to detain suspects for prolonged periods without trial.

Among those released was an 18-year-old, Charity Augustine, who had spent over a year in custody on a four-count charge of stealing. The judge granted her release on compassionate grounds, considering her age and the nature of the offence, and placed her on six months’ probation under supervision.

Also freed were two convicts at the Ikot Abasi facility, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, who were released before completing their sentences but directed to report periodically to confirm good behaviour.

The Chief Judge also ordered the release of several suspects who had been awaiting trial for more than three years over minor offences such as fighting, assault, and theft of farm produce. Some individuals arrested during the EndSARS protests were also among those released.

“Most of the charges are trumped up; some lack prosecution. Therefore, go home, be of good behaviour and don’t engage in any acts that will bring you back again,” she said.

Justice Fabian-Obot further called on legal practitioners and law enforcement officers to ensure diligence and professionalism in handling cases to avoid unnecessary delays that contribute to overcrowding in correctional centres.

She also urged authorities to make provisions for the safe return of released inmates to their homes, warning against abandoning them after release.

Meanwhile, officials of the custodial centres decried the poor conditions of the facilities. At the Ikot-Ekpene centre, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Boniface Momoh, revealed that the facility, designed for 400 inmates, currently houses over 700, with challenges including inadequate water supply and lack of operational vehicles.

He appealed to the state government to urgently address the situation to improve conditions in the facilities.