Acting Chief Judge releases 22 prison inmates in Cross River

The Acting Chief Judge of Cross River, Justice Okoi Itam, on Wednesday  released 22 inmates of Akan Esuk Orok Prison, in Calabar. Itam told newsmen in Calabar during his maiden visit to the prison that the inmates were pardoned on health grounds while two of them who were mentally unstable were referred to the Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar.
Itam said the visit was to assess the situation of the inmates, especially those remanded in custody for minor offences as well as those who needed proper medical attention.
He said the aim was to decongest prisons in the state and show concern about human life.
He advised those released to go back home and live a normal life that would make them useful citizens of the country.
Itam is also expected to visit Obubra, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu prisons. (NAN)