Akwa Ibom Court Grants Bail To Udoito After 270 Days In Custody

The Akwa Ibom State High Court has granted bail to Princess Godsown Udoito after she spent 270 days in custody at the Uyo Correctional Centre over charges arising from publications critical of Governor Umo Eno.

Udoito, an Ekid community rights activist from Esit Eket Local Government Area, was arrested on January 14, 2026, following allegations that she used her Facebook platform, which reportedly has more than 20,000 followers, to publish statements and videos authorities described as false, misleading, defamatory and threatening.

The case was linked to her advocacy over the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve and allegations concerning ancestral land in the area. Udoito had criticised the governor’s administration over the matter and questioned the treatment of the Ekid people.

She was subsequently charged on six counts, including criminal defamation, publication of false news and conduct allegedly capable of causing a breach of public peace. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded in correctional custody.

Her earlier application for bail was refused, while an appeal challenging the decision was also dismissed by the Court of Appeal in Calabar in July, with the appellate court directing that the substantive trial be accelerated.

Her prolonged detention subsequently generated appeals from the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), community leaders, women and youth groups and other stakeholders, who called for her release.

Following Wednesday’s bail decision, the EPU confirmed that Udoito had regained her freedom after 270 days at the Uyo Correctional Centre.

In a statement titled, “Our Princess Is Free!”, signed by the union’s President-General, Dr Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary-General, Bassey Dan-Abia, the EPU expressed appreciation to Governor Eno and other stakeholders who it said contributed to the resolution of the matter.

The union described the development as an act of compassion that had transformed what it characterised as a bitter dispute into reconciliation.

“We are grateful to the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his magnanimity, and good heart,” the statement said.

The EPU added that Udoito was receiving routine medical assistance and counselling following her release.

The union also acknowledged the interventions of traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders and members of Udoito’s legal team during the period of her detention.

Udoito’s detention had become a wider point of controversy in Akwa Ibom, with supporters and rights advocates raising concerns about freedom of expression, criminal defamation and the prolonged detention of a defendant awaiting trial.

The EPU has now called for an end to the dispute and urged stakeholders to focus on reconciliation and development.