Akwa Ibom court grants bail to Princess Udoito after 270 days in custody

The Akwa Ibom State High Court has recently granted bail to Princess Godsown Udoito, who had been held at the Uyo Correctional Facility for 270 days. The charges against her stemmed from alleged defamatory remarks made against Governor Umo Eno. Despite earlier denials of bail by the State High Court and the Court of Appeal in Calabar, citing concerns over the gravity of the offense, the defendant's flight risk, and potential threat to public order, the decision to release Udoito was met with widespread support.

Activists, women groups, and prominent figures in Akwa Ibom, including the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), women groups, and the Oku Ibom Ibibio, made passionate appeals to the governor for her release. In response, the EPU issued a statement expressing gratitude to Governor Eno for his compassionate decision, emphasizing his role in transforming a tense situation into a peaceful resolution.

The statement also highlighted the ongoing post-release care Udoito will receive, including medical assistance and counseling. The statement concluded by urging the residents of Akwa Ibom to redirect their focus towards collective development.