By Our Correspondent

National News – The Chief Judge of Ekaete Fabian F-Obot has ordered the release of 63 additional inmates from the Uyo Custodial Centre in Akwa Ibom State after reviewing their cases during an inspection of correctional facilities across the state.

The decision was announced on Wednesday following a judicial assessment aimed at decongesting prisons and ensuring justice for inmates with questionable or prolonged detention.

The releases bring the total number of inmates freed by the chief judge in 2026 to 100.

A week earlier, 37 inmates were discharged from custodial centres in Ikot Abasi, Eket and Ikot Ekpene after their cases were reviewed.

According to a statement from the judiciary press unit, the latest exercise followed consultations with the Director of Public Prosecution, court clerks and medical personnel within the correctional system.

Out of the 63 inmates released, 24 were discharged on special grounds while 39 received compassionate pardon due to circumstances such as missing case files, weak evidence, health concerns and lack of diligent prosecution.

Among those freed were 20 inmates suffering serious illnesses. One of them, Godwin Francis Etim, who is battling tuberculosis, was referred to the Infectious Disease Hospital in Ikot Ekpene for urgent treatment.

A pregnant inmate in her final trimester was also released to access proper medical care outside the custodial facility.

Another notable case involved Magdalene Bassey Edet, who had been convicted by two separate courts over the same offence.

After completing a 10-year sentence, she was serving an additional two-year term for the same matter.

The chief judge ordered her release but placed her on probation, requiring her to report to authorities every three months.

The chief judge also criticised the practice of some police officers who obtain remand orders but fail to return to court after the mandatory 21 days.

She urged magistrates to take proactive steps to strike out such cases when due process is not followed.

Meanwhile, the officer in charge of the custodial centre, DCC Ezekiel Inyang, said the facility built in 1912 currently houses over 1,600 inmates, far above its capacity.

He added that a recent windstorm damaged three cell blocks and part of the perimeter fence, worsening overcrowding challenges at the centre.