The Akwa Ibom State High Court has granted bail to Princess Godsown Udoito after she spent 270 days in custody over alleged defamatory remarks against Governor Umo Eno.
Udoito had been held at the Uyo Correctional Facility following her arrest and prosecution over the alleged offence.
Her bail applications had earlier been rejected by the state High Court and the Court of Appeal in Calabar, with the courts citing the seriousness of the alleged offences, the possibility of flight and concerns about public order.
Her prolonged detention had generated controversy across Akwa Ibom, with various groups and traditional institutions calling for her release.
Among those who intervened were the Ekid People’s Union, women’s groups and the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Nteyin Solomon Etuk, who appealed to Governor Umo Eno to forgive Udoito and support efforts to resolve the matter.
Reacting to the development, the Ekid People’s Union issued a statement on Wednesday titled, “Our Princess Is Free!”, expressing appreciation to the governor for his role in Udoito’s release.
The statement, signed by the union’s President General, Dr Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary General, Hon. (Barr.) Bassey Dan-Abia, also acknowledged the intervention of Nteyin Etuk, the paramount rulers of Eket and Esit Eket, as well as other stakeholders.
The union said Udoito was receiving necessary post-release support, including medical assistance and counselling.
The EPU described the development as an amicable resolution of the matter and urged residents of Akwa Ibom to put the incident behind them and focus on the development of the state.
The union said, “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 group also expressed appreciation to everyone who intervened during the period of Udoito’s detention and declared the matter closed.