18 of the 54 released inmates had health conditions such as leprosy, tuberculosis, kidney failure, and HIV/AIDS.
Honorable Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, has allowed 55 inmates to be released from prison (the four correctional centers) located in the cities of Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot-Ekpene, and Uyo.
This move is a big step toward reducing the number of inmates that are incarcerated in correctional facilities. Among those released were a mentally disordered individual and a nursing mother who had given birth during her detention.
Obot gave the order to the welfare unit of the correctional center to locate the family of the insane man, Daniel Bassey Ukpong, so that he might be handed over to them for the appropriate medical treatment.
It was the purpose of the jail delivery exercise, which lasted for three days, to decongest correctional centers and provide a second chance to deserving inmates who have shown signs of rehabilitation while they were incarcerated.
18 of the 54 released inmates had health conditions such as leprosy, tuberculosis, kidney failure, and HIV/AIDS.
The chief judge conducted a thorough examination of each inmate’s case file during the special sessions. He observed that the majority of the inmates had committed relatively minor offenses and had spent a longer period of time in jail than the minimum term that would have been imposed if they had been found guilty of the crimes.
Individuals whose trials had been halted or who had been held for a longer period of time than their potential penalties were granted clemency as a result.
In addition, Obot released some individuals on compassionate grounds, while others were released owing to a lack of meticulous prosecution procedures.
Additionally, His Lordship released inmates who had missing case files and other inmates based on their progress, contrition, and desire to progress in their own personal development.
The Chief Judge expressed regret over the number of missing case files while the accused remained in custody. She urged the prosecutor’s office to ensure no one is denied justice and that they avoid violating defendants’ human rights.