51-year-old rape convict, five others get pardon in Akwa Ibom

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has granted pardon to a 51-old rape convict, Ufot Sam Udo, and five other inmates of Ikot Abasi Correctional Centre in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state.

Udo a father of three was convicted for rape and had been diagnosed with cardiac failure.

He was pardoned along with a 27-year-old David Obot Akpan, and 26-year-old John Henshaw UkoEkong, both of who hailed from Ikot Abasi and were convicted for allegedly organising what the Police labeled “a system of intimidation called Iceland Confraternity”.

Others include David Isaiah, a 32-year-old father of two from Ikot Ekpaw in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and Isaac Onoita, a 49-year-old native of Adim in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, all of who were charged for being in possession of stolen bed and foam and have not been taken to Court since 2019.

Also freed was one Udo Raphael Ataha, a 45-year-old native of Asong in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area who was charged with intent to intimidate the public. All the freed inmates have been awaiting trial for between two and nine 9-years

Speaking shortly after granting, the Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot said the “freed inmates have spent more years in prison than the penalty for the offense upon they were charged with”.

She, therefore, urged the inmates to turn a new leaf as they may not be lucky to have another chance.

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