A bold move to address prolonged detention and overcrowding, Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates from custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot-Ekpene. The order was given during her routine inspection of the state’s correctional facilities.
Of the 37 inmates, eight were freed on health grounds, while 29 were released on compassionate grounds or for lack of prosecution. Specifically, two inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket, and 27 from Ikot-Ekpene.
Speaking virtually during court sessions in the three facilities, Justice Fabian-Obot emphasized that it is unconstitutional to detain suspects for extended periods without trial. She noted that the offences committed by the detainees ranged from stealing and fighting to arrests during the EndSARS protests.
Among those released was 18-year-old Charity Augustine, who spent over a year in custody on a four-count theft charge involving garri. She was released on compassionate grounds and placed on six months’ probation with a monitoring officer assigned to her.
Two other convicts from Ikot-Abasi, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, were released before completing their prison terms but were instructed to report to the facility every three months to confirm their good conduct.
Justice Fabian-Obot also freed suspects who had been awaiting trial for more than three years for minor offences, including fighting, assault, and theft of farm crops, citing lack of prosecution. She urged lawyers and police to act diligently to prevent unnecessary delays and reduce prison overcrowding.
“Most of the charges are trumped up or lack prosecution; therefore, go home, maintain good behaviour, and avoid acts that may bring you back,” she said. “I release you unconditionally because it is unconstitutional to keep you for too long without trial.”
The Chief Judge also called for the provision of stipends to help released inmates return home, rather than leaving them stranded.
Earlier, the Officer in Charge of Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre, DCC Boniface Momoh, highlighted the facility’s severe overcrowding—holding over 700 inmates in a space meant for 400—and shortages of water, operational vehicles, and fuel. He appealed to the Chief Judge to continue advocating to Governor Pastor Umo Eno for support.
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