Akwa Ibom Prisons Hold Over 1,000 Inmates in Facility Built for 613, Controller Raises Alarm

• Controller warns of life-threatening overcrowding in Akwa Ibom custodial centres.

• Uyo Correctional Centre houses over 1,000 inmates despite a capacity for 613.

• NDDC pledges support to rehabilitate facilities and improve inmates’ welfare.

• Correctional Service seeks solar power, potable water, vocational tools, and bedding.

July 25, () — The Controller of Corrections in Akwa Ibom State, Theophilus Okoka, has raised the alarm over severe overcrowding and deteriorating conditions in custodial centres across the state, warning that the situation is endangering the lives of inmates.

Okoka disclosed that the Uyo Custodial Centre, originally designed to accommodate 613 inmates, is currently holding more than 1,000 detainees, while correctional facilities in Eket and Ikot Abasi are also grappling with overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.

He spoke during a working visit by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, and other officials to the Nigeria Correctional Service in Uyo.

The controller said the worsening conditions have exposed inmates to serious health challenges, stressing the need for urgent intervention to improve welfare and decongest the facilities.

He, however, commended the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, for facilitating the recent release of 101 inmates on health and compassionate grounds, describing the exercise as a significant step toward easing congestion.

Okoka appealed for support in providing solar-powered lighting, potable water, mattresses, beddings, and vocational training equipment, while inviting the NDDC delegation to inspect the custodial centres firsthand.

He noted that although inmates are trained in trades such as carpentry, shoemaking, hairdressing, and barbing, the lack of adequate tools has limited effective skills acquisition.

The controller also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Correctional Service, including sponsorship of inmates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and enrolment of others in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with some progressing to doctoral studies.

According to him, the Command is also collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity to certify inmates who complete vocational training programmes.

Responding, Apostle Nkono pledged the NDDC’s support in rehabilitating dilapidated correctional facilities and improving the welfare of inmates across the state.

He described the Nigeria Correctional Service as a critical security institution deserving of greater support and urged the Command to formally submit its requests for consideration by the Commission.

Nkono reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening security, promoting human capital development, and implementing social intervention programmes across the Niger Delta.

The NDDC State Director, Engr. Evong Evong, also expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the Correctional Service of the Commission’s readiness to build a productive partnership aimed at addressing the challenges confronting correctional centres in Akwa Ibom.