A Cameroonian illegally detained in Uyo prison for three years by Akwa Ibom Police Command over a trump-up charge of kidnapping has been pardoned and freed.
Mr Alexander Naseri Ebuka, a fisherman, was set free by the Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot while on inspection of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Uyo.
He is one of the eight inmates released by the Chief Judge in Uyo Medium Security Custodial Center where more than 1,300 inmates are undergoing trial for various offenses.
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The State Director of Public Prosecutions said the case file of the Cameroonian could not be found, neither has he been taken to Court after his arrest and detention in 2019.
The inmate told the Chief Judge that he came to Nigeria with his brother fisherman to supply fish to customers in Oron.
He said his brother left him behind only for the Police to arrest and charge him with kidnapping leading to his detention in prison for three years without trial.
Justice Obot said in the circumstance of the missing case file of the inmate and the lack of trial, it would not be in the interest of justice for the authorities to continue to detain the inmate.
She ordered the release of the Cameroonian and urged the Prison authorities to ensure that the inmate is taken to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons for rehabilitation.
