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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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Senate Confirms Sani Muhammad Ndanusa as Ambassador.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Engineer Sani Muhammad Ndanusa as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner.

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report submitted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Abubakar, representing Niger North. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated Ndanusa for the diplomatic position, after which he appeared before the committee for screening.

Presenting the committee’s recommendations during plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ndanusa’s confirmation after lawmakers unanimously endorsed the nomination through a voice vote.

Akpabio congratulated the nominee and expressed confidence that Ndanusa would draw on his professional experience to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and strengthen the nation’s relations with other countries.

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Ogun Police Rescue 11 Ghanaian Nationals in Sagamu Visa Scam.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

The victims—seven males and four females—were rescued during an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed intelligence received on October 19, 2026, concerning a suspected hideout.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad. Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and detained against their will.

The victims are currently receiving care and support, while detectives work to identify and arrest other members of the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and combating transnational crime, stating that Ogun State would not become a safe haven for criminals.

The police urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

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Federal Government Confirms Ebola Case in the FCT.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Federal Government has confirmed one laboratory-diagnosed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The case was confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT. She had received treatment at the facility for several days before being isolated. She is currently receiving medical care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that contact tracing had commenced. So far, 44 close contacts have been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and FCT health authorities, is taking measures to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and report suspected exposure or symptoms to public health officials. The NCDC toll-free call centre is available 24 hours a day on 6232 for information and suspected case reporting.

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