In a bid to decongest correctional facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Judge Justice Ekaete Obot has ordered the release of 44 inmates, including two females, across various correctional facilities in the state.
The inmates were released during the chief judge’s first inspection visit to the correctional centers, where she reviewed their case files and observed that most had committed minor offenses and had been held for too long without trial.
The released inmates included those who had been accused of stealing palm fruits, cassava, and other minor offenses. Some were also released on compassionate and health grounds.
One inmate, Otuekong Essien, who had been held for four months for stealing cassava tubers and suffered from health issues, was released on health grounds. Another inmate, Shadrach Hanson, who had spent over a year in custody for stealing his mother’s cooking pot, was also set free.
Justice Obot emphasized that she would not release anyone who had committed violent or major crimes, but rather focus on decongesting the facilities by releasing those who had committed minor offenses.
She also charged the state Controller of Corrections, Julius Ezegwu, to ensure full reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, including providing education and skills training.
The chief judge also called for the establishment of schools within the correctional centers to provide inmates with a better future.
