As part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has ordered the release of 44 inmates, including two females, across the correctional facilities in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Six of the inmates regained freedom in Ikot Abasi centre, five in Eket custodial centre, 11 were freed in Ikot Ekpene centre while 24 inmates, including two females, were pardoned in Uyo custodial centre.

The inmates regained freedom during the first inspection visit of the chief judge to the correctional centres.

Justice Obot, who went through all the case files at the correctional chapel in the Uyo centre on Thursday, observed that most of the beneficiaries had minor offences and had stayed in custody for too long without trial. Some other inmates were also released on compassionate and health grounds.

Their offences, according to their case files, ranged from stealing palm fruits, and cassava, to assault, and fighting, among others.

One Otuekong Essien accused of stealing cassava tubers, who had stayed up to four months in custody and suffered from perforated ulcer and appendicitis, as certified by the custodial doctor, was released on health grounds at the Ikot Abasi centre.

A 28-year-old Shadrach Hanson, who had spent over one year in custody for stealing his mother’s cooking pot, was also set free.

“I do not consider it serious enough for you to spend one year and four months in custody. You are hereby released unconditionally. Make sure you are on good behaviour and don’t do anything that will make you come back here,” the CJ told Hanson.

For Kufre Sylvester and many others accused of cultism and conspiracy, their case files could not be found.

Ruling on their matters, the CJ said, “Your case files cannot be found and keeping you here will amount to the breach of your fundamental rights. It’s on this premise that you are released unconditionally.”

Justice Obot said as much as she would love the correctional facilities to be decongested, she would not release anyone who had committed violent and major crimes.

She charged the state Controller of Corrections, Julius Ezegwu, to ensure full reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, saying that apart from helping them to acquire skills, they should be exposed to education.

She called for the establishment of schools within the correctional centres and promised to communicate such to Governor Umo Eno.

“I have observed from my visits that there are training facilities for inmates, but it shouldn’t end there.

“There should also be the establishment of schools so that those within the teenage age and those willing would be enrolled.

“This will enable them to have a better future. We should not condemn them totally because of the situation they found themselves in. I advocate that apart from the craft, they should be exposed to secular education,” Justice Obot said.

Ezugwu, in his remarks, thanked the CJ for her visit to the facilities and called for efforts to repair the dilapidated facilities and vehicles.