The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has ordered the release of 44 inmates, including two females, across the correctional facilities in the three senatorial districts of the state during her first inspection.
Six of the inmates regained freedom in Ikot Abasi center, five in Eket custodial center, 11 were freed in Ikot Ekpene center while 24 inmates, including two females, were pardoned in Uyo custodial center.
The inmates regained freedom during the first inspection visit of the CJ to the correctional centers in the year.
Justice Obot, who went through all the case files at the correctional chapel in the Uyo center on Thursday, observed that most of the beneficiaries had minor offenses and had stayed in custody for too long without trial.
Their offenses, according to their case files, ranged from stealing palm fruits, and cassava, to assault, and fighting, among others.
Some other inmates were also released on compassionate and health grounds.
“I do not consider it serious enough for you to spend one year and four months in custody. You are hereby released unconditionally. Make sure you are of good behavior and don’t do anything that will make you come back here,” the CJ told Hanson.
She charged the state Controller of Corrections, Julius Ezegwu, to ensure full reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, saying that apart from helping them to acquire skills, they should be exposed to education.
Ezugwu, in his remarks, thanked the CJ for her visit to the facilities and called for efforts to repair the dilapidated facilities.
