A’Ibom CJ frees 55 inmates

Etim Ekpimah

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, visited four correctional centres and freed 55 inmates.

It was learnt that the freed inmates comprised 18 inmates, who were released on medical groùnds.

Inmates that regained freedom include four in Ikot Abasi, two in Eket, 11 in Ikot Ekpene custodial centres. Those who regained freedom in Uyo custodial centre were 38.

The inmates were released during the CJ ‘s official visits to the custodial centres in the three senatorial districts which began on Wednesday, March 12  to Friday, March 14.

The chief judge, who went through the case files during a special court session, observed that most of the offenders had minor offences and had over stayed in the custodial centres beyond the period they were supposed to stay, if they had been convicted.

She, however, released some on compassionate and health grounds and lack of deligence prosecution.

The CJ in discharging the inmates in all the centres urged the freed inmates to be of good behaviour and shun all acts that might bring them back to the custodial centres.

Obot expressed displeasure on the number of missing case files while the accused are still in custody with some staying more than the sentences of their crimes if convicted.

She charged prosecutors on the need to ensure that no one is denied justice and not infringe on their fundamental human rights.

In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Frank Okonkwo, thanked the chief judge for her consistent visit to the facilities and the goodwill extended to the custodial centres in the state.

Okonkwo highlighted some of the challenges confronting the centres to include dilapidated facilities and lack of logistics to convey inmates to court.