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AKWA IBOM, Nigeria - The Chief Judge (CJ) of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaette Obot, has concluded a three-day tour of correctional facilities and has released a total of 55 inmates within the state.
Rocketparrot News report that 18 out of these releases were based on health reasons.
In the Ikot Abasi custodial centre, four inmates were set free; two inmates in Eket centre; 11 in Ikot Ekpene centre; and 38, including one nursing mother, in Uyo custodial centre.
The CJ's official inspections of the custodial centres across the three senatorial districts commenced on Wednesday, March 12, and concluded on Friday, March 14.
The chief judge noted that many offenders had committed minor crimes and had spent more time in custody than they would have if convicted. She released some inmates on grounds of compassion, health issues, and inadequate prosecution diligence.
A specific case from the Ikot-Ekpene custodial centre involved Friday Okoro, who had been held for over three years without trial for stealing coconuts from his cousin.
In addressing the released inmates in all facilities, the CJ urged them to behave well and avoid actions that could lead them back to incarceration.
Obot expressed concern over the number of missing case files while the accused remained detained, with some serving longer than their potential sentences. She urged prosecutors to ensure that justice is administered fairly and that the fundamental rights of the accused are respected.
Additionally, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Frank Okonkwo, Akwa Ibom Command, expressed gratitude to the chief judge for her regular visits and the goodwill shown to the state's custodial centres.
Okonkwo pointed out some challenges faced by the centres, including deteriorating facilities and a lack of resources to transport inmates to court, and he requested Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to provide support and aid to the custodial centres in the state.
