The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian‑Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates from custodial centres across the state as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities.
The directive was issued on Thursday during her ongoing inspection of custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket and Ikot-Ekpene.
The exercise, which began earlier in the week, will conclude with a visit to the Uyo custodial centre.
Of those released, eight were granted freedom on health grounds, while 29 were discharged on compassionate grounds and due to lack of prosecution. Two inmates were freed from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket, and 27 from Ikot-Ekpene.
During court sittings held within the facilities, the Chief Judge emphasised that prolonged detention without trial violates constitutional provisions.
“It is unconstitutional to keep individuals in custody for an extended period without trial,” Fabian-Obot stated.
“Many of these cases lack proper prosecution, while others are based on weak charges.”
Among those freed was 18-year-old Charity Augustine, who had spent over a year in detention on charges of stealing food items. The judge ordered her release on compassionate grounds, considering her age and the nature of the offence, and placed her on a six-month probation.
“She should go home and be of good behaviour. An officer will monitor her conduct during the probation period,” the judge said.
Two other inmates, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, were also released before completing their sentences. They were directed to report to correctional authorities every three months to demonstrate good conduct.
The Chief Judge further discharged several detainees who had been awaiting trial for more than three years over minor offences such as assault, fighting, and theft of farm produce. Some of those released were also linked to arrests made during the EndSARS protests.
“I release you unconditionally. Go home, live responsibly, and do not return to actions that could bring you back here,” she told the freed inmates.
Fabian-Obot also urged legal practitioners and law enforcement agencies to handle cases more diligently to avoid unnecessary delays that contribute to overcrowding in correctional centres.
She called for support systems to help reintegrate released inmates, stressing that they should not be abandoned after regaining freedom.
“There should be provisions to assist them back to their homes so they are not left stranded,” she added.
Officials managing the facilities raised concerns about poor conditions and overcrowding. At the Ikot-Ekpene custodial centre, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Boniface Momoh, said the facility, designed for 400 inmates, currently houses more than 700.
“Our facility is overstretched, and we are facing serious challenges, including inadequate water supply and lack of operational vehicles,” Momoh said.
“The high cost of fuel has made the situation more difficult.”
He appealed to the state government, led by Umo Eno, to urgently address the conditions in the custodial centres.
