July 18, (THEWILL) — The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaette Obot, has freed a total of 123 inmates in four Correctional Centres– Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Ikot Abasi Correctional Centres.
Of the number, were those who were found to be either seriously sick, lacked convincing evidence and/or had overstayed in the centres, considering their level of crime, on Thursday, at the end of a three-day facility tour of correctional centres in the state.
The breakdown of the number shows that 62 out of the 123 inmates were released on health grounds. It shows that four inmates regained freedom in Ikot Abasi custodial centre; 17 inmates were released in Eket centre, 29 in Ikot Ekpene centre, while 73 were set free in Uyo custodial centre.
THEWILL reports that the CJ’s official visits to the custodial centres across the three senatorial districts began on Monday, July 14, and ended on Thursday, July 17.
The chief judge frowned at the fact that most of the offenders had minor offences and had overstayed in the custodial centres beyond the period they were supposed to stay, even if they were to be convicted.
She, however, released some on compassionate health grounds and lack of diligent prosecution.
A typical case in the Uyo custodial centre was a case of one Etieno Okon, who was 15 years old when he was detained and had been in custody for five years, without trial, for an alleged cultism charge.
The CJ, in discharging the inmates in all the centres, charged them to be of good behaviour and to shun all acts that might bring them back to the custodial centre.
She expressed displeasure at the number of inmates awaiting trials, some without any charge preferred against them, still in custody, with some staying more than the sentence of their crime if convicted.
She tasked prosecutors with the need to ensure that no one was denied justice, and they should not infringe on the fundamental rights of the accused. Commending all the Judges, Magistrates, Court officials and Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command for their commitment and steadfastness throughout the three-day exercise.
She prayed to God Almighty to grant the sick ones released speedy recovery and sustain those still in incarceration.
In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Frank Okonkwo, thanked the Chief Judge for her visit to the facilities and the goodwill extended to the custodial centres in the state.
Highlighting some of the challenges confronting the centres, Okonkwo includes dilapidated facilities and a lack of logistics vehicles to convey inmates to court on time.
He appealed to the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to extend support and assistance to custodial centres in the state to ensure better welfare for inmates.
