In a bid to decongest correctional facilities, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, has granted freedom to 55 inmates across four prison centers—Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot-Ekpene, and Uyo.
Among those released are a nursing mother who gave birth in custody and a mentally challenged man. Eighteen inmates were freed on health grounds, suffering from conditions such as leprosy, tuberculosis, kidney failure, and HIV/AIDS.
The three-day jail release exercise aimed to provide a second chance to rehabilitated inmates, many of whom had been held for years without trial. Justice Obot emphasized that several prisoners had spent more time in custody than the maximum sentence for their alleged offenses.
She ordered the release of those with missing case files, individuals facing delayed trials, and those incarcerated for minor offenses. Some were freed on compassionate grounds, while others were released due to a lack of diligent prosecution.
Obot urged prosecutors to uphold justice and prevent prolonged detentions without trial, warning that such delays violate fundamental human rights. She also directed prison authorities to locate the family of the mentally ill inmate for proper medical care.
The Chief Judge’s intervention highlights systemic issues in Nigeria’s justice system, including slow trial processes and poor record-keeping. The move has been praised by correctional officers, who acknowledge its positive impact on prison management.
