Authorities at the Afokang Correctional Centre in Calabar have disclosed that 48 inmates, including one woman, are currently on death row while 531 others are awaiting trial.
Facility operating above capacity
The centre houses 784 inmates despite a stated capacity of 450. That leaves the facility overcrowded by 334 people, according to figures presented during a visit by human-rights and justice scholars.
Breakdown of the inmate population
The authorities said 756 of the inmates are men and 28 are women. In addition to those awaiting trial and on death row, 170 inmates have been convicted and 35 men are serving life sentences.
Calls for more jail-delivery exercises
The visiting scholars urged the Cross River State Chief Judge to increase jail-delivery exercises. They said regular reviews could identify people eligible for bail or cases delayed beyond a reasonable period.
Healthcare concerns
The delegation also raised concerns about shortages of drugs, wound-care materials, hygiene supplies and toiletries. It called for stronger rehabilitation, legal-assistance and reintegration programmes.
For more context, read our earlier Nigeria business update, the latest public-health report, our Abuja governance coverage, and recent domestic football coverage.
Conclusion
The figures place renewed focus on timely justice, humane custody conditions and coordinated reforms to reduce overcrowding at the Calabar facility.
