The Akwa Ibom State High Court has granted bail to Princess Godsown Udoito after she spent 270 days in the Uyo Correctional Facility on allegations of making defamatory remarks against Governor Umo Eno.
Both the State High Court and the Court of Appeal in Calabar had previously denied her bail, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences, a perceived flight risk and the potential threat to public order. The prolonged detention sparked controversy and prompted appeals from across the state.
The Ekid People’s Union (EPU), women’s groups and the Oku Ibom Ibibio community, led by His Eminence Nteyin Solomon Etuk, urged the governor to pardon the defendant and secure her release. In a statement released on Wednesday titled “Our Princess Is Free!”, the EPU thanked Governor Eno for his role in the decision.
“We are grateful to the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno PhD, for his magnanimity and good heart. His Excellency has shown compassion and sincerity, such that what looked, at the beginning, like a stormy war, ended amicably like a family affair,” the statement read, as endorsed by President General Dr. Samuel Udonsak and Secretary General Hon. (Barr.) Bassey Dan‑Abia.
The union also announced that Udoito is now receiving routine medical assistance and counselling in line with international best practices. “She is about now receiving the necessary routine medical assistance and counselling post release,” the statement added.
Having declared the matter closed, the EPU urged residents of Akwa Ibom to redirect their attention to collective development and to move beyond the controversy surrounding the case.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
