List of Awaiting Trial Inmates

To: The General Public, the Attorney General / DPP of Akwa Ibom State, and Human Rights Stakeholders.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch, through its Committee on Prisons Decongestion, presents the attached schedule of inmates currently held at the Uyo Custodial Centre.

Following a recent facility review by our committee, we have identified numerous inmates awaiting trial who have been held for excessively long periods — some for upwards of 10 years — without their trials commencing in the respective courts. This is a severe breach of constitutional rights, as noted in findings regarding pre-trial detention, where Section 35(4) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates a prompt trial or release.

The Uyo Custodial Centre is operating significantly over capacity, creating dire humanitarian conditions. The NBA Uyo Branch is actively intervening to secure the release of those wrongfully held and to accelerate the commencement of trials for others.

Our Appeal

To the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP): We urgently call on the office of the DPP to review the files of these inmates and send case files to the appropriate courts to enable trials to commence immediately.

To the Public & Legal Practitioners: We appeal for logistical and legal support (pro bono representation) to ensure these inmates, who are indigent, have proper legal representation to secure their freedom.

We thank all partners working with us to uphold the rule of law and human dignity.