The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, has facilitated the release of inmates from correctional facilities in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene, encouraging them to embrace new lives.
Justice Obot's intervention occurred during a routine visit to the correctional centers, where a total of 37 individuals were granted freedom. Specifically, two individuals were released from Ikot Abasi prison, eight from Eket prison, and twenty-seven from Ikot Ekpene prison.
The two inmates discharged from Ikot Abasi prison, Nse Aniekan John and Ndifreke Lawrence Kofi, who had been convicted of rape, were placed on probation after serving a significant portion of their sentences. They are required to report to prison officials monthly and demonstrate good behavior.
Among those released from Eket Correction Center was Mrs. Ekaette Samuel Ibok, a mother of four, who had been detained since 2022 without trial on allegations of child trafficking. Her incarceration followed a report by her brothers-in-law after she gave out one of her children as a house help, leaving her other children vulnerable due to her widowhood.
Justice Obot advised Mrs. Ibok against giving her children out again and urged her to care for them properly.
Also freed was 19-year-old Bassey Bassey Okon, who had been held since June 2021 on armed robbery charges but was never brought before a court. Additionally, 23-year-old Ekemini Happiness Okon and 22-year-old Nelson Ime Sampson, who had spent over four years and nine months in custody without trial on what were described as trumped-up armed robbery charges, were released. Reports suggest their arrest occurred during the EndSARS protests.
On compassionate grounds, Victor Bassey Nelson and Unwana Udo Ben were also released. Victor was reportedly imprisoned due to a dispute over family property, while Unwana was detained after being apprehended by a vigilante group.
Ransom Akpan Monday was also freed after being held for over four years without trial on police charges.
At the Ikot Ekpene Correction Center, the Chief Judge ordered the release of 37 inmates. Eight were freed due to health reasons, while 19 were released because of charges deemed fabricated or a failure by the prosecution to proceed with their cases for many years.
Inmates released on health grounds included Samuel King Fred, Godwin Obi Ofem, Ubong Ben Moses, Imoh Monday Akpan, Peter Jeremiah Udo, Emmanuel John Ekpenyong, Nyakno Ezekiel Okon, and Aniebiet Ernest Johnson.
A particularly concerning case for the Chief Judge was that of 18-year-old Charity Augustine Marcus. She was reportedly arrested for allegedly stealing garri and soup due to hunger, following her uncle's refusal to accept her following her father's death.
Etieno Nsima Umoh was another case highlighted, having been accused of harvesting cassava from his father's farm and imprisoned for over two years without trial.
Uduakobobg Francis, detained since 2018 without prosecution, was released. He had been arrested over a family property dispute.
John Emmanuel Effiong, accused of stealing a motorcycle, was freed after more than five years in prison. His case was hampered when the key prosecution witness, who was also implicated in a robbery, fled the courtroom upon seeing the police officer involved in his case.
Justice Obot observed a significant lack of facilities within the correctional centers to serve their intended purpose. She noted issues such as inadequate accommodation, with the Ikot Ekpene Correction Center, designed for 400 inmates, currently housing 752, and facing shortages of water, as pointed out by Deputy Comptroller Boniface Momoh.
ACC Matthew Onobume and ACC Osueme Abhulimen also reported infrastructure decay and overcrowding at the Ikot Abasi and Eket Correctional Centers, respectively.
The Chief Judge advocated for the establishment of vocational training schools within correctional facilities to provide inmates with educational opportunities and foster positive behavioral changes.
Justice Obot also commented on the perceived lackadaisical attitude of State Counsels in handling cases and their involvement in detaining suspects without trial.
Okon Bassey
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