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Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Frees 100 Inmates Across State Custodial Centres

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot releases 100 inmates on compassionate and legal grounds after facility inspection across four prisons.

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has released 100 inmates across the state’s four Medium Security Custodial Centres, marking the end of her first-quarter inspection tour.

The releases were distributed as follows: Ikot Abasi (2), Eket (8), Ikot Ekpene (27), and Uyo (63).

Justice Fabian-Obot reviewed over 1,000 case files, granting freedom to inmates on compassionate grounds, health conditions, missing case files, trumped-up charges, and lack of diligent prosecution.

Chief Judge Condemns Police, Urges Judicial Vigilance

In her remarks, the Chief Judge urged released inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid returning to crime.

She criticized police officers who obtain remand orders and abandon cases without returning to court after the stipulated 21 days, calling the practice unacceptable.

Justice Fabian-Obot also advised magistrates to strike out dormant cases and notify relevant parties when due process is not followed.

Health and Compassionate Releases

Among the special cases at the Uyo Custodial Centre were 20 inmates suffering from serious health conditions.

One inmate, Godwin Francis Etim, battling tuberculosis, was referred to the Infectious Disease Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, for treatment.

A pregnant inmate in her final trimester, facing medical complications, was also released to access proper care.

Another notable case involved Magdalene Bassey Edet, convicted twice for the same offence by different courts. Having completed a 10-year sentence, she was serving an additional two-year term for the same matter.

The Chief Judge ordered her release on probation for the remaining two years, requiring her to report every three months, warning that any further offence would lead to her return to custody.

Wrongful Detentions and Missing Files

Four inmates were released due to missing case files, reportedly linked to the illness of a prosecutor absent for nearly three years.

Six others were found to have been wrongfully charged, including Idara Christopher Kingsley, who was detained in place of her husband after reporting a machete assault.

Overcrowding and Facility Damage

In his welcome address, DCC Ezekiel Ebenezer Inyang, Officer in Charge of the Uyo Custodial Centre, described the visit as timely, noting that the facility, built in 1912, now houses over 1,600 inmates and is severely overstretched.

He also reported that a windstorm on February 17 damaged three cell blocks and brought down part of the perimeter fence, worsening the facility’s condition.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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