State pardons 44 inmates in effort to decongest prisons
In a significant move to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has granted pardons to 44 inmates, including two women, across various correctional centres within the state.
The release, which took place during Justice Obot’s initial inspection visit to the correctional facilities, saw six inmates freed from the Ikot Abasi centre, five from Eket custodial centre, 11 from Ikot Ekpene centre, and 24 from Uyo custodial centre.
During her visit to the Uyo centre, Justice Obot reviewed the case files and noted that many of the inmates had committed minor offences and had been detained for extended periods without trial. The release also included those granted pardon on health or compassionate grounds.
Among those released was Otuekong Essien, who had been in custody for four months for stealing cassava tubers and was suffering from severe health issues, including a perforated ulcer and appendicitis.
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He was released on health grounds from the Ikot Abasi centre. Another notable release was Shadrach Hanson, a 28-year-old who had been held for over a year for stealing his mother’s cooking pot.
Justice Obot commented, “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 on good behaviour and don’t do anything that will make you come back here.”
However, for individuals like Kufre Sylvester, whose cases involved cultism and conspiracy, their release was facilitated due to the unavailability of their case files.
Justice Obot ruled, “Your case files can not be found, and keeping you here will amount to the breach of your fundamental rights. It’s on this premise that you are released unconditionally.”
Justice Obot emphasized that while she supports efforts to decongest the correctional facilities, she will not release individuals involved in violent or serious crimes.
She urged the state Controller of Corrections, Julius Ezegwu, to ensure comprehensive reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, including skill acquisition and educational opportunities.
In her address, Justice Obot advocated for the establishment of schools within correctional centres to provide inmates, especially the younger ones, with educational opportunities alongside vocational training. She promised to communicate this proposal to Governor Umo Eno.
Julius Ezegwu expressed gratitude for the Chief Judge’s visit and highlighted the need for repairs to dilapidated facilities and vehicles within the correctional centres.
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