Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, on Thursday freed 12 inmates, including an 80-year-old man in Ikot Abasi and Eket correctional centres.
The Chief Judge, before granting the inmates pardon, went through all the case files both in Ikot Abasi and Eket during an inspection of the facilities.
Three of the released inmates were from Ikot Abasi correctional centre, while nine were from while nine were from Eket correctional centre and had been awaiting trial for between one to five years.
Among the pathetic cases of those freed was 80-year -old man, Ime Udoh, in Eket correctional centre who could barely walk and his son James Ime, who were charged for disobeying court order.
Another was Goodnews Isaiah, who was charged for assault and had been in custody for over 12 months without trial, was given unconditional freedom by the chief judge, and urged him to be of good behaviour.
Similarly Ime William, also of Ikot Abasi correctional centre was accused of conspiracy and had been in custody for over three years was discharged and acquitted.
The chief judge noted that some of the freed inmates had spent more years in prison than the penalty for the offence they were charged with, while some had been in the custodial centres for five years without being charged to Court.
She urged the freed inmates to go and turn a new leaf, engage themselves in productive ventures and stay away from crimes as they might not be lucky to have another chance.
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