Our correspondent report that a cross sectional view of the pardoned inmates were both old and young men.
Investigations revealed that a number of these pardoned persons might not have been guilty, but because of lack of evidence of defense, they were convicted.
Of the sixty eight freed inmati, 20 were from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Uyo, 17 from Ikot Ekpene Centre, 17 from Eket Centre and 12 from Ikot Abasi Correctional Centre.
Governor Emmanuel who was represented by the Attorney General And Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko advised the inmates to be of fine behaviour and shun acts that will take them back to prison as they will not have a second chance should they find themselves within the act of criminality.
The Governor said the freed inmates were those that had spent years within the Correctional Centres and had developed serious health issues.
Also considered were inmates on grounds of old age while those with minor offense were equally considered.
Inmates with capital offences like terrorism, stickup and kidnapping were declined pardon.
The Controller of Corrections Mr Alex Oditah, on behalf of the Controller General of Corrections Ja’afaru Ahmed, thanked the Akwa Ibom State Governor for having mercy upon the inmates, noting that their release would prevent the spread of COVID-19 and decongest the prison.
The freed inmates thanked Governor Emmanuel for the chance to reunite with their families, expressing confidence that the abilities and knowledge garnered in their different Correctional Centres will make them usefulness to the society.
The sixty eight inmates that regained freedom weren't allowed to interact with our correspondent for fear of the deadly Corona virus currently ravaging the society while the inmates prayed for the virus to be over and feel alive being free.
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