Overcrowding in Akwa Ibom Correctional Facilities As Controller Calls for Legal Reforms

Julius Ezugwu, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Akwa Ibom Command, has revealed that out of 2,854 inmates in the state’s four correctional facilities, a staggering 2,413 are awaiting trial.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for the Akwa Ibom State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in Uyo, Ezugwu highlighted the challenges posed by the overcrowding of the facilities.

He emphasized the need for the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state to address this issue.

Ezugwu stressed that while the correctional service aims to rehabilitate convicts, the facilities are not designed to accommodate such a large number of inmates awaiting trial.

He expressed hope that the workshop on ACJL would alleviate the burden on the correctional service.

Providing a breakdown of the inmate population, Ezugwu stated that out of the 2,854 inmates, 441 are convicts, while the majority, 2,413, are awaiting trial.

He called for concerted efforts to address the root causes of the congestion and improve the overall justice system in the state.

The revelation of the high number of inmates awaiting trial has raised concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the state’s legal processes.

The call for the implementation of the ACJL reflects a growing recognition of the need for legal reforms to ensure the rights and well-being of both convicts and those awaiting trial in Akwa Ibom State.