Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, has ordered the release of 123 inmates during a three-day tour of correctional centres across the state.
The exercise, which began on July 14 and concluded on July 17, covered custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), 62 of the freed inmates were released on health grounds. Breakdown shows four inmates released in Ikot Abasi, 17 in Eket, 29 in Ikot Ekpene, and 73 in Uyo.
The chief judge observed that most of the offenders had minor offences and had overstayed in the custodial centres beyond the period they were supposed to stay, if they had been convicted.
She, however, released some on compassionate, health grounds and lack of diligence prosecution.
A typical case in Uyo custodual centre, was a case of one Etieno Okon, who was 15 years when he was detained and had been in custody for five years, without trial, for cultism charge.
The CJ, in discharging the inmates in all the centres, charged them to be of good behaviour and shun all acts that might bring them back to the custodial centre.
Obot expressed displeasure on the number of inmates awaiting trials, some without any charge preferred against them still in custody, with some staying more than the sentence of their crime if convicted.
She charged prosecutors on the need to ensure that no one was denied justice and they should not infringe on the fundamental rights of the accused.
The chief judge commended all the Judges, Magistrates, Court officials and Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command for their commitment and steadfastness throughout the three days exercise.
She prayed God Almighty to grant the sick ones released speedy recovery and sustained those still in incarceration.
In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, , thanked the chief judge for her visit to the facilities and the goodwill extended to the custodial centres in the state.
Okonkwo highlighted some of the challenges confronting the centres to include dilapidated facilities and lack of logistics to convey inmates to court on time.
He appealed to Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to extend support and assistance to the custodial centres in the state to ensure better welfare for inmates
