Akwa Ibom Chief Judge frees more inmates after facility inspection
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaete F-Obot, has released 63 additional inmates from the Uyo Custodial Centre after a review of their cases. This brings the total number of inmates freed during her recent exercise to 100. The releases were based on compassionate and special grounds, including health issues and legal irregularities. The Chief Judge urged the released inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid returning to custody.
What we know
- Ekaete F-Obot completed her inspection of correctional facilities and released 63 inmates from Uyo Custodial Centre, following an earlier release of 37 inmates from other centres.
- The releases included 24 inmates discharged on special grounds and 39 pardoned on compassionate grounds, such as missing files and lack of prosecution.
- Among those released were inmates with serious health conditions, including one referred for tuberculosis treatment and a pregnant inmate in her final trimester.
- Magdalene Bassey Edet was released after serving a 10-year sentence and part of an additional two-year term, with the remainder to be served on probation.
- The facility, built in 1912, is severely overcrowded and recently suffered damage from a windstorm, but no casualties or escapes were reported.
