Akwa Ibom inmates release sees 63 freed in Uyo, bringing total to 100, as Chief Judge addresses overcrowding and justice delays

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaete Fabian F-Obot, has ordered the release of 63 inmates from the Uyo Custodial Centre, bringing the total number of freed inmates in the state this year to 100.

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The Akwa Ibom inmates release followed a comprehensive review of cases during the Chief Judge’s inspection of correctional facilities across the state, with inputs from the Director of Public Prosecution, court officials and medical personnel.

A statement from the judiciary press unit confirmed that 24 inmates were discharged on special grounds, while 39 were granted pardon on compassionate grounds, including cases involving missing files, weak prosecution and questionable charges.

Among those freed were 20 inmates suffering from serious health conditions, including tuberculosis, while a pregnant inmate in her final trimester was also released to access specialised medical care beyond the capacity of the custodial facility.

A particularly striking case involved Magdalene Bassey Edet, who had been convicted by two separate courts for the same offence.

Having completed a 10-year sentence, she was serving an additional two-year term before her release. The Chief Judge placed her on probation for the remaining period, requiring periodic reporting.

Other cases highlighted systemic lapses, including four inmates whose trials could not proceed due to missing case files linked to the prolonged absence of a prosecutor, and six others found to have been wrongfully charged.

One of them, Idara Christopher Kingsley, had been detained in place of her husband after reporting an assault, raising serious concerns about due process.

The Chief Judge urged the released inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid actions that could lead to reoffending.

She also criticised the practice of some police officers who obtain remand orders but fail to pursue prosecution within the stipulated timeframe.

She called on magistrates to adopt a more proactive stance by striking out cases where due process is not followed, emphasising the need to uphold justice and prevent unnecessary detention.

The Officer in Charge of the facility, Ezekiel Inyang, described the intervention as timely, revealing that the custodial centre, built in 1912, currently houses more than 1,600 inmates and faces severe overcrowding.

He also disclosed that a recent windstorm damaged parts of the facility, including three cell blocks and sections of the perimeter fence, although no casualties or escapes were recorded.

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The Akwa Ibom inmates release underscores growing concerns about prison congestion, delayed trials and procedural lapses within the justice system, while signalling a decisive push towards reform and humane correctional practices.