The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaette Fabian Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates from correctional facilities across the state, using the opportunity to spotlight systemic delays in the justice system and the human cost of prolonged detention without trial.
The releases took place during routine visits to correctional centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene, where the Chief Judge urged freed inmates to embrace a new beginning and become productive members of society.
A breakdown of the exercise shows that two inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket, and twenty-seven from Ikot Ekpene.
Among those freed were individuals who had spent years behind bars without trial. One such case is that of Bassey Bassey Okon, who was detained since June 2021 over an alleged armed robbery but was never formally charged in court.
Similarly, Ekemini Happiness Okon and Nelson Ime Sampson regained their freedom after spending more than four years and nine months in custody under disputed allegations.
In Eket, the release of Mrs. Ekaette Samuel Ibok, a mother of four, drew particular attention. Detained since 2022 over allegations linked to child trafficking, her case revealed deeper social and economic struggles.
Widowed and without means of livelihood, she had reportedly given out one of her children as domestic help before being arrested.
Ordering her release, Justice Obot advised her to return home and care for her children.
Several inmates were also freed on compassionate and health grounds, while others were discharged due to lack of prosecution or what the court described as questionable or “trumped-up” charges.
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One of the most troubling cases involved 18-year-old Charity Augustine Marcus, who was allegedly detained after refusing inappropriate advances from a relative and later accused of stealing food.
Another case highlighted was that of Etieno Nsima Umoh, who spent over two years in detention for harvesting cassava from his father’s farm.
The Chief Judge also raised concerns over the conditions of correctional facilities in the state.
At Ikot Ekpene, a facility built to accommodate 400 inmates currently houses over 750, with severe shortages of water and basic infrastructure.
Similar issues of overcrowding and decay were observed in Ikot Abasi and Eket centres.
Justice Obot criticized the handling of cases by some state counsel, pointing to delays, lack of diligence, and practices that contribute to prolonged detention without trial.
She emphasized the need for reforms to ensure timely justice and prevent abuse of the system.
She further advocated the establishment of vocational training programmes within correctional centres, noting that access to education and skill acquisition would better equip inmates for reintegration into society upon release.