The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, has ordered the release of 55 inmates across the three custodial centres in the state.
A breakdown of the pardoned inmates showed that four were released from Ikot Abasi, two from Eket, 11 from Ikot-Ekpene, while 38 regained freedom from the Uyo custodial centre.
The inmates were released during Justice Fabian-Obot’s official visits to the custodial facilities across the three senatorial districts, which began on Wednesday and ended on Friday.
The Chief Judge, who went through the case files of the inmates during a special session, observed that most of them had committed minor offences and spent more time in custody than the required sentence if found guilty of the crimes.
She, therefore, released some on compassionate and health grounds, while others were released due to a lack of diligent prosecution.
One of the released inmates at Ikot-Ekpene custodial centre, Friday Okoro, had been in custody for over three years without trial for stealing his cousin’s coconuts.
Justice Fabian-Obot urged the released inmates to turn a new leaf and shun all acts that might bring them back to the centre.
The Chief Judge lamented the number of missing case files while the accused remained in custody.
She charged prosecutors with ensuring that no one is denied justice.
Frank Okonkwo, the Controller of Correctional Service in the state, appreciated Justice Fabian-Obot’s gesture.
He highlighted some challenges confronting the service, including dilapidated facilities and a lack of logistics to convey inmates to court.