The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has ordered the release of 123 inmates — including an 18-year-old girl with mental health challenges — during her second quarter tour of custodial facilities across the state.

The release followed her three-day inspection of the Medium Security Custodial Centres (MSCCs) in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.

Justice Obot emphasized that the jail delivery exercise aligns with the constitutional duty of the judiciary to uphold justice and protect human rights. “This exercise ensures no individual is unjustly detained without due process,” she stated.

According to the breakdown of those released:

4 inmates were freed from Ikot Abasi

17 from Eket

29 from Ikot Ekpene

73 from Uyo

Of the 123 inmates, 62 were released on health grounds, with conditions ranging from anaemia to scabies and tuberculosis. The Chief Judge ordered that the dormitory housing these sick inmates be sanitized and temporarily closed to prevent the further spread of disease.

She observed that many detainees were being held for minor offences and had remained in custody far beyond what would have been their sentence, had they been convicted. Releases were granted on compassionate grounds, poor health, lack of diligent prosecution, trumped-up charges, and missing case files.

One of the notable cases involved an 18-year-old girl with a mental condition who reportedly consumed non-edible items like foam. She was discharged and directed to be transferred to a psychiatric hospital in Eket for treatment.

Also freed was Etieno Okon, who had been in custody without trial for five years after being arrested for cultism at the age of 15. He was released alongside his father.

While addressing inmates across the centres, Justice Obot urged them to embrace reform and avoid actions that could return them to prison.

She also voiced concern over the high number of awaiting-trial inmates — some of whom had no formal charges filed against them and had spent more time in custody than their alleged offences would warrant if convicted. She urged prosecutors to ensure that the rights of suspects are not violated.

In appreciation of the efforts of judiciary and correctional staff, Justice Obot commended judges, magistrates, court personnel, and the Controller of Correctional Centres in the state for their dedication during the exercise. She donated ₦300,000 to support the transportation of the released inmates back to their various communities.

In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centres, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, thanked the Chief Judge for her visit and the support shown. He highlighted ongoing challenges at the centres, including dilapidated infrastructure and insufficient vehicles for transporting inmates to court.

He appealed to Justice Obot to help fast-track pending requests to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for logistics support, repairs of vehicles, and supply of beddings — particularly urgent during the cold season.