Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian‑Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates from various custodial centres across the state. The directive was issued on March 19, 2026, during her routine inspection of correctional facilities, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and humanitarian principles.
Of the 37 individuals released, eight were freed on medical grounds due to health concerns that made continued detention unsafe. The remaining 29 were released on compassionate grounds or for want of prosecution, as many had been held for extended periods without trial or because the cases against them were no longer being actively pursued. The inmates were released from facilities in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot‑Ekpene.
During her visits, Justice Fabian‑Obot emphasized that prolonged detention without trial is unconstitutional and unacceptable. She noted that many of the detainees had been held for months or even years for minor offences such as theft, assault, or disputes over farm produce, often exacerbated by delays in prosecution and file processing.
Among those released was 18‑year‑old Charity Augustine, who had spent over a year in custody on minor theft charges. She was released on probation and assigned an officer to monitor her conduct during a six‑month reintegration period. Two other inmates from Ikot Abasi, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, were also released with the condition that they report back to authorities every three months.
Justice Fabian‑Obot urged law enforcement and legal practitioners to expedite trials and avoid unnecessary delays that contribute to overcrowding in detention facilities. She also called for support in reintegration efforts, emphasizing that released inmates need community and family assistance to avoid returning to crime.
Officials from the correctional facilities highlighted ongoing challenges, including overcrowding and limited resources. The Ikot‑Ekpene facility, for instance, was holding more than 700 inmates despite being designed for about 400. Shortages of water, operational vehicles, and other basic necessities were also reported, prompting calls for government intervention.
The release is part of broader efforts in Akwa Ibom State to reduce prison congestion and ensure that constitutional rights, particularly the right to a fair and timely trial, are respected. It reflects the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to balancing justice with compassion and facilitating the reintegration of former inmates into society.
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