Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Frees 100 Inmates in First Quarter

Akwa Ibom state has witnessed a significant reduction in its prison population, thanks to the efforts of the state's Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot. In her week-long inspection of the state's four Medium Security Custodial facilities, she identified 100 inmates who were freed on compassionate grounds. The inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo facilities, with 27 from Ikot Ekpene and 63 from Uyo being among those set free.

The Chief Judge's decision was based on case files she reviewed, which revealed that the inmates were either suffering from serious health conditions, facing trumped-up charges, or had missing case files. In her remarks, she urged the released inmates to maintain good conduct and refrain from returning to crime. She also took a swipe at some police officers who obtain remand orders but fail to return to court after 21 days, advising magistrates to take proactive steps to strike out such cases.

The Uyo custodial centre was home to 20 inmates suffering from serious health conditions, including one inmate, Godwin Francis Etim, who was referred to the Infectious Disease Hospital in Ikot Ekpene for treatment due to his tuberculosis.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The decision by Akwa Ibom Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, to free 100 inmates on compassionate grounds is a welcome development for the state's justice system. However, it highlights the need for police officers to be more diligent in their prosecution of cases. The fact that 20 inmates in the Uyo custodial centre were suffering from serious health conditions raises concerns about the state of healthcare within the facilities. The Chief Judge's criticism of police officers who obtain remand orders but fail to return to court after 21 days is also a valid one. Ultimately, this decision will have a positive impact on the lives of the released inmates and their families, but it also underscores the need for systemic reforms to prevent such cases from arising in the first place.