37 Inmates Freed On Health, Compassionate Grounds in A’Ibom

By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo
No fewer than 37 inmates across custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket and Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, have been released on health and compassionate grounds.
The state Chief Judge, Ekaete Fabian-Obot, ordered the release during her routine inspection of correctional facilities in the state.
The exercise, which is ongoing, will culminate with a visit to the Uyo Custodial Centre next week.
The Chief Judge stressed that prolonged detention without trial is unconstitutional, warning against unnecessary delays in the justice system.
Of the total number released, eight inmates were freed on health grounds, while 29 were discharged on compassionate grounds and for lack of diligent prosecution.
A breakdown shows that two inmates were released from Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket and 27 from Ikot Ekpene custodial centres.
Among those freed was 18-year-old Charity Augustine, who had spent over one year in custody for allegedly stealing garri.
Justice Fabian-Obot ordered her release on compassionate grounds, citing her age and the minor nature of the offence, and placed her on six months’ probation under supervision.
Two other convicts granted early release from Ikot Abasi—Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi—were directed to report to authorities every three months to monitor their conduct.
Several detainees who had spent over three years awaiting trial for minor offences, including assault and petty theft, were also released.
The Chief Judge urged law enforcement agencies and legal practitioners to act professionally to reduce delays and decongest custodial centres.
At the Ikot Ekpene facility, the Officer-in-Charge, DCC Boniface Momoh, decried severe overcrowding, revealing that the centre, built for 400 inmates, currently houses over 700, alongside challenges of water shortage and operational logistics.