By Uko Okon
A total of 123 inmates, including an 18-year-old girl with mental health issues, have been granted freedom by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, during her second quarter tour of custodial facilities across the state.
The release took place during a three-day inspection of the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo. The visit aimed to decongest correctional centres and ensure justice is served in line with constitutional provisions.
Justice Obot described jail delivery as a critical judicial responsibility that safeguards human rights and prevents unlawful detention. “This exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure that no person is unjustly detained without due process,” she stated.
Among the freed inmates were four from Ikot Abasi, 17 from Eket, 29 from Ikot Ekpene, and 73 from Uyo. Sixty-two of those released were granted freedom on medical grounds, suffering from conditions such as anaemia, scabies, and tuberculosis.
The Chief Judge directed that the dormitory housing the sick inmates be thoroughly disinfected and closed temporarily to curb further spread of diseases. She also urged correctional officials to maintain proper hygiene across all facilities.
Justice Obot expressed concern over the number of inmates who had overstayed in detention—many for minor offences and some without formal charges or trial. Some of the releases were made on compassionate grounds, including issues of trumped-up charges, missing case files, prolonged detention, and lack of diligent prosecution.
One of the most striking cases was that of a mentally challenged teenager who was found eating foam and other inedible objects. She was ordered to be transferred to the psychiatric hospital in Eket for urgent medical care. Another release was that of 20-year-old Etieno Okon, who had been detained since the age of 15 without trial on charges of cultism. He was discharged along with his father.
In her address to the released inmates, the Chief Judge urged them to turn a new leaf and avoid any actions that could bring them back to the correctional centres. She also criticized the alarming number of inmates awaiting trial, many of whom remain behind bars longer than the maximum sentences for their alleged crimes.
Justice Obot appealed to prosecutors to be diligent in the discharge of their duties, ensuring no individual is denied justice or held without proper legal process. She commended judges, magistrates, court staff, and the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, for their dedication during the exercise.
To support the reintegration of the freed inmates, Justice Obot donated ₦300,000 to assist with their transportation back to their various communities.
In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, thanked the Chief Judge for her compassion and commitment to prison reform. He highlighted persistent challenges facing the centres, including poor infrastructure and limited logistics for transporting inmates to court.
Okonkwo called on the Chief Judge to help facilitate pending requests to the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, especially regarding the provision of operational vehicles, repair of existing ones, and the supply of beddings to help inmates cope with the cold season.
Mentally Challenged Teen, 122 Others Freed by Akwa Ibom Chief Judge
By Uko Okon
A total of 123 inmates, including an 18-year-old girl with mental health issues, have been granted freedom by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, during her second quarter tour of custodial facilities across the state.
The release took place during a three-day inspection of the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo. The visit aimed to decongest correctional centres and ensure justice is served in line with constitutional provisions.
Justice Obot described jail delivery as a critical judicial responsibility that safeguards human rights and prevents unlawful detention. “This exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure that no person is unjustly detained without due process,” she stated.
Among the freed inmates were four from Ikot Abasi, 17 from Eket, 29 from Ikot Ekpene, and 73 from Uyo. Sixty-two of those released were granted freedom on medical grounds, suffering from conditions such as anaemia, scabies, and tuberculosis.
The Chief Judge directed that the dormitory housing the sick inmates be thoroughly disinfected and closed temporarily to curb further spread of diseases. She also urged correctional officials to maintain proper hygiene across all facilities.
Justice Obot expressed concern over the number of inmates who had overstayed in detention—many for minor offences and some without formal charges or trial. Some of the releases were made on compassionate grounds, including issues of trumped-up charges, missing case files, prolonged detention, and lack of diligent prosecution.
One of the most striking cases was that of a mentally challenged teenager who was found eating foam and other inedible objects. She was ordered to be transferred to the psychiatric hospital in Eket for urgent medical care. Another release was that of 20-year-old Etieno Okon, who had been detained since the age of 15 without trial on charges of cultism. He was discharged along with his father.
In her address to the released inmates, the Chief Judge urged them to turn a new leaf and avoid any actions that could bring them back to the correctional centres. She also criticized the alarming number of inmates awaiting trial, many of whom remain behind bars longer than the maximum sentences for their alleged crimes.
Justice Obot appealed to prosecutors to be diligent in the discharge of their duties, ensuring no individual is denied justice or held without proper legal process. She commended judges, magistrates, court staff, and the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, for their dedication during the exercise.
To support the reintegration of the freed inmates, Justice Obot donated ₦300,000 to assist with their transportation back to their various communities.
In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, thanked the Chief Judge for her compassion and commitment to prison reform. He highlighted persistent challenges facing the centres, including poor infrastructure and limited logistics for transporting inmates to court.
Okonkwo called on the Chief Judge to help facilitate pending requests to the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, especially regarding the provision of operational vehicles, repair of existing ones, and the supply of beddings to help inmates cope with the cold season.
