A concerning trend is emerging in Cross River State, Nigeria, where a significant majority of inmates in custodial centres are awaiting trial. According to the Cross River Judiciary 2026 decongestion report, 70 percent of inmates, which translates to 896 out of 1,278 inmates, are yet to face trial. This situation is attributed to several factors, including a lack of vehicles to convey inmates to court and inadequate funding for the judiciary. The report highlights that only 383 inmates have been convicted, underscoring the need for swift judicial action.
The problem of inmates awaiting trial is not new to Cross River State, but the numbers have been increasing. In 2024, 707 inmates were awaiting trial out of a total of 1,075 inmates. This represents a rise of 189 inmates, or approximately 26.7 percent, over the course of a year. The custodial centre in Calabar has the highest number of inmates awaiting trial, with 523, while 234 have been convicted. Other centres, such as Obubra, Ikom, Ogoja, and Obudu, also report significant numbers of inmates awaiting trial.
The Cross River State Judiciary has been facing challenges that hinder the quick dispensation of justice. The Controller of Corrections has pointed out that insufficient vehicles and inadequate funding for fueling have severely impacted the regular conveyance of inmates to and from courts. This, in turn, has stalled criminal trials, contributing to the backlog of awaiting trial inmates. The judiciary's financial autonomy crisis has also been cited as a major issue, with the Cross River State Judiciary Funds Management Law No. 4, 2021, yet to be implemented.
The infrastructure within the judiciary is described as deplorable and alarming. The High Court complex headquarters is experiencing structural issues, with cracks and leaks in the roof. Additionally, judges' chambers and courtrooms lack essential furniture and air conditioners. The Probate Department, which generates significant revenue, is also under-equipped, lacking computers, storage devices, and alternative power sources. These conditions further impede the efficient functioning of the judiciary.
The judiciary is operating with a significant shortage of staff, having only 506 staff members against a requirement of 3,000. The retirement of 45 staff members with specialized knowledge in the outgoing legal year, and the expected retirement of 21 more this year, will exacerbate this issue. This shortage affects various critical functions, including filing, service of processes, and overall productivity.
Despite these challenges, there are positive developments. The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has taken steps to address some of the judiciary's needs. He has restored electricity to the Moore Road Complex from the national grid and secured approval from the State Executive Council for the building of a multipurpose hall and the renovation of the judiciary headquarters. These actions are seen as steps in the right direction.
The Small Claims Court in Cross River State has been performing well, disposing of 98 out of 105 cases filed within 60 days. This success demonstrates that speedy justice is achievable when the system is adequately supported. The judiciary has called for the implementation of the Cross River State Judiciary Funds Management Law to grant it financial autonomy, which would help address some of the current challenges.
Key points
- 70% of inmates in Cross River State custodial centres are awaiting trial.
- The situation is largely due to lack of vehicles and poor funding of the judiciary.
- The judiciary is operating with a significant shortage of staff and infrastructure.
