Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has ordered the release of 44 inmates, which include two females, across the correctional facilities in the three senatorial districts of the state.

The move, which was made as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state, saw some other inmates released on compassionate and health grounds.

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

The inmates got their freedom during the first inspection visit of Justice Obot to the correctional centres.

The Chief Judge , 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.

According to their case files, their offences 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.

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

Ruling on their matters, the Chief Judge said since their case files cannot be found and keeping them will amount to the breach of their fundamental rights, she released them 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 called on 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 to the state governor, Umo Eno.