The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has released 123 prisoners during her recent visit to correctional centres in the state. One of the released inmates was an 18-year-old girl with mental health problems. She had been eating foam and other strange items while in prison.

This action happened during the second quarter prison inspection that started on Monday, July 14 and ended on Friday, July 18, at the Uyo Correctional Centre.

The released inmates came from four different centres: 4 from Ikot Abasi, 17 from Eket, 29 from Ikot Ekpene, and 73 from Uyo.

Out of the 123 people freed, 62 were released due to serious health issues like anaemia, tuberculosis, and scabies.

Justice Obot told the freed inmates to stay out of trouble and never return to prison. She gave a special order for the mentally unstable girl to be taken to the psychiatric hospital in Eket for medical treatment.

She also ordered that the dormitory where sick inmates were kept be cleaned and disinfected. For now, no new inmates should be kept there to prevent more people from falling sick.

The Chief Judge said many of those she released had committed minor offences and had already spent more time in prison than the sentence they would have received if they had been convicted.

She was also not happy that many inmates were still in custody without trial. Some had no charges filed against them and had stayed in prison longer than the punishment they might have received.

One example she gave was Etieno Okon, a young boy who was 15 years old when he was arrested. He had been in prison for five years without trial on a cultism charge. He was released along with his father.

Justice Obot urged prosecutors to do their work properly and make sure no one is denied justice. She reminded them to always respect the rights of accused people and ensure fair treatment.