Report raises fresh concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention of inmates, poor facilities and lack of logistics
At least 49 inmates have reportedly spent more than 10 years awaiting trial at the dilapidated Eket Correctional Centre in Akwa Ibom State, raising fresh concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention and delays in the administration of justice.
A report by SaharaReporters said an inspection of the facility revealed severely deteriorated buildings, abandoned vehicles and inadequate facilities for the welfare and rehabilitation of prisoners.
Sources within the facility reportedly alleged that some inmates have no case files, while others have remained in custody for years due to repeated court adjournments and other challenges within the justice system.
The situation is reportedly worsened by a shortage of functional vehicles needed to transport inmates to court. The Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Samuel Bassey, disclosed that more than 40 awaiting-trial inmates had missed court appearances because of the lack of operational vehicles.
According to the report, some inmates transferred to the facility from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in 2023 have yet to appear in court due to transportation challenges.
The inspection also reportedly found that the correctional centre lacked functional vocational workshops, a school and a counselling unit, raising concerns about its capacity to provide meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
The development has renewed calls for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to review the cases of prisoners who have spent several years awaiting trial, address missing case files and improve the logistics required for regular court appearances.
Stakeholders have also called for the rehabilitation of the facility and stronger coordination between the judiciary, correctional authorities and other justice-sector institutions to prevent inmates from spending excessive periods in detention without trial.
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