Vehicle Scarcity Halts Court Appearances for 46 Akwa Ibom Inmates

Forty-six inmates, currently awaiting trial at the Medium Security Correctional Centre located on Liverpool Road in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, are unable to attend their scheduled court hearings. This critical delay is attributed to a severe lack of functional operational vehicles required for their transportation.

Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Samuel Bassey, who is the Officer in Charge of the facility, brought this issue to light on Tuesday. He made these revelations during a courtesy visit by members of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals forum to his office. Bassey highlighted that some of these inmates, transferred from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area as far back as 2023, have yet to make a single court appearance due to the absence of transport vehicles.

“Sometimes we have to go to the local park to hire minibuses that will convey inmates to the court. The decision is very risky as you must ensure that the person you engage is trustworthy,” Bassey stated, questioning the feasibility of dispensing justice when accused individuals cannot be presented before the courts. He further explained, “Our jurisdiction covers nine local government areas with 18 courts. About 46 Inmates are there unable to appear in Court. It is difficult to take the inmates to court without having operational vehicles. None of our vehicles are functional. Even the one at the workshop cannot be fixed. We really need support to discharge our duties effectively.”

The Officer in Charge disclosed that the correctional facility has submitted multiple requests to relevant authorities for operational vehicles, but these appeals have remained unanswered. He urged the government across all tiers, corporate organizations, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropists to intervene, describing the situation as “very worrisome” for both the inmates and the staff.

Bassey recalled that the last vehicle donated to the centre was during the tenure of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, who now serves as the Senate President. He also expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating infrastructure at the facility. He noted that intense rainfall in the southern region of the country has caused significant damage to several roofs within the centre, leaving inmates vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. “Concerning the state of infrastructure, You can see that the heavy rains in the southern part of the country have caused several roofs in the facility to wear out and exposed inmates to harsh weather conditions. There is nothing we can do on our own to remedy the situation,” he added.

Addressing inmate welfare, Bassey confirmed that the Federal Government is adequately providing food for the inmates, and medical services are available at the facility clinic, administered by qualified professionals. He extended his gratitude to the media professionals for their visit, promising enhanced collaboration in efforts towards inmate reformation and successful reintegration.

Earlier in the visit, Enobong Nsimah, Chairman of the Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals, proposed a partnership with the centre. The aim is to offer legal aid to inmates lacking representation and to establish skill acquisition programs, which would facilitate their reformation and reintegration into society. Following the discussions, members of the forum were given a tour of the dilapidated and worn-out residential quarters designated for correctional officers. They subsequently called upon authorities to ensure a conducive working and living environment for officers, which is essential for effective duty performance.