48 on death row, 531 await trial in Calabar correctional centre
Forty-Eight Inmates on Death Row at Calabar Correctional Center
Forty-eight inmates, including one woman, are currently on death row at the Afokang Correctional Centre in Calabar, Cross River State, according to officials.
The Chief Superintendent of Corrections, A.E. Edet, revealed this information during a visit by scholars. The visit aimed to provide the scholars with insight into the realities of human rights, justice administration, and correctional services.
Edet noted that the 48 inmates had been sentenced to death by competent courts following trials and convictions.
Current figures indicate that the facility is housing a total of 784 inmates, significantly surpassing its designed capacity of 450, resulting in an overcrowding of 334 inmates. Of the total population, there are 756 male inmates and 28 female inmates. Among them, 531 are awaiting trial, including 520 males and 11 females, while 170 have been convicted. An additional 35 male inmates are serving life sentences.
The visiting scholars expressed concern about the high number of inmates awaiting trial and the resulting delays in the criminal justice system. They urged the Chief Judge of Cross River State to increase the frequency of jail delivery exercises, suggesting that regular reviews could identify inmates eligible for bail, highlight stalled cases, and address those who have spent extended periods in custody without resolution.
Additionally, the scholars brought attention to shortages of medical supplies, wound treatment materials, and hygiene items at the clinic within the correctional center. They called for enhanced healthcare funding, stronger rehabilitation programs, and greater involvement from civil society in providing legal assistance, healthcare, hygiene, and reintegration services.
The scholars emphasized that inmates are entitled to dignity, humane treatment, access to healthcare, fair trials, and timely justice. They advocated for improved coordination among law enforcement agencies, the Department of Public Prosecutions, the judiciary, legal practitioners, and correctional authorities to mitigate delays and reduce overcrowding.
