Princess God’sown Udoito, the Ekid social activist who spent about eight months in detention over alleged defamatory publications against Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, has been released.
Udoito’s release comes after months of legal proceedings, protests and sustained calls by community leaders, activists and rights groups for her freedom.
She was arrested in January 2026 following a petition dated January 10, according to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. Police said the petition concerned publications on her Facebook account, Princess God’sown Udoito, which had more than 20,000 followers.
The police subsequently charged her with six offences, including criminal defamation, threats, publication of false information, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, conspiracy to commit criminal defamation and publication of defamatory material with intent to intimidate.
Udoito pleaded not guilty to the allegations and was remanded in the Uyo Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case.
The controversy was closely linked to the long-running dispute over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, also known among Ekid stakeholders as Akoiyak.
Udoito had used her social media platforms to raise allegations concerning the ownership and proposed development of parts of the reserve. Community groups said her advocacy was connected to efforts to protect what they regard as Ekid ancestral land.
Governor Eno, however, said he was pursuing the matter in his personal capacity rather than as governor. He said the legal process should be allowed to run its course.
The case generated growing public attention as Udoito remained in custody for months.
In June, Ekid women and youths staged a major protest in Eket, demanding her release. Demonstrators also raised concerns about the impact of her detention on her children and family.
A particularly emotional issue was the death of Udoito’s father while she was in custody. Protesters called for her release so she could mourn and participate in arrangements for his burial.
The Ekid Peoples Union also repeatedly appealed for her release. In July, its President-General, Dr Samuel Udonsak, urged Governor Eno to consider her release on compassionate grounds, particularly because of her children and her father’s death.
Human-rights advocates also intervened. HURIWA called for her release shortly after the arrest, while lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticised the continued detention and questioned the handling of the bail application.
The legal battle continued despite the public campaign.
In July, the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar reportedly affirmed the Akwa Ibom State High Court’s decision refusing Udoito’s bail application.
Her eventual release therefore marks a significant development in a case that has attracted attention far beyond the courtroom.
The release also comes against the backdrop of continuing disagreements over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, land ownership and the relationship between community advocacy and the government’s position on the disputed territory.
Today September 16, 2026, Udoito is led out of the hook and custody of Uyo prison, bringing to an end months of detention that triggered protests and sustained demands for her freedom, while the legal issues surrounding the case remain a matter of public interest.
