Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Orders Release of 123 Inmates, Urges Hygiene Improvements in Correctional Centres

In a notable exercise of judicial responsibility, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has released a total of 123 inmates, including an 18-year-old mentally challenged female prisoner, during her second quarter 2025 inspection tour of the Medium Security Custodial Centres (MSCCs) in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.

Justice Obot emphasized the judiciary’s constitutional duty to uphold justice and defend fundamental human rights, reiterating that the purpose of the jail delivery initiative is to ensure that individuals are not unjustly detained without due legal process. She stressed the importance of routine interventions to correct judicial delays and prevent rights violations.

During the three-day correctional facility inspection, the 123 inmates freed were distributed across the centres as follows:

• Ikot Abasi: 4 inmates released
• Eket: 17 inmates released
• Ikot Ekpene: 29 inmates freed
• Uyo: 73 inmates discharged

Among the released individuals, 62 inmates were discharged due to health issues such as anaemia, scabies, and tuberculosis. Justice Obot directed that the dormitories where sick inmates were previously housed must undergo comprehensive sanitation. She instructed that no other inmates should be accommodated in these areas until full decontamination is completed to prevent further disease spread.

The Chief Judge observed that a significant number of prisoners were incarcerated for minor offences and had overstayed beyond the duration they would have served if properly convicted. Accordingly, several releases were granted on the basis of compassionate grounds, health conditions, fabricated charges, missing case files, and prosecutorial negligence.

In a particularly concerning case, an 18-year-old girl suffering from mental health challenges, who reportedly consumed foam and other inedible items, was released with orders to have her taken to a psychiatric hospital in Eket for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Another case was that of Etieno Okon, who was detained at the age of 15 on cultism allegations and remained in custody for five years without trial. Both Okon and his father, who was also detained, were granted freedom by the Chief Judge.

While addressing the freed inmates, Justice Obot advised them to maintain good behavior and avoid any actions that could lead them back to prison. She expressed dissatisfaction with the high number of inmates awaiting trial, some of whom had spent longer periods in detention than the actual penalties for their alleged crimes.

Justice Obot also admonished prosecutors, reminding them of their duty to uphold justice without infringing on the fundamental rights of suspects. She commended the efforts of all Judges, Magistrates, court staff, and the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, for their dedication during the exercise.

In a show of goodwill, the Chief Judge donated N300,000 to the correctional centres to support the transportation of the released inmates back to their communities.

Responding, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, the Controller of Correctional Centre for Akwa Ibom Command, appreciated Justice Obot for her visit and benevolence. He highlighted several pressing challenges facing the custodial centres, such as dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate transportation logistics for conveying inmates to court promptly.

Okonkwo appealed for the Chief Judge’s assistance in facilitating the approval of pending requests to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the procurement of operational vehicles, repair of existing facilities, and the supply of beddings, especially necessary during the cold season.

For more context on Nigerian judiciary interventions and rights protection, check this resource from the Nigerian Correctional Service via the official government portal.