The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Akwa Ibom, Uyo Branch is worried on the number of inmates are accommodated in the overstretched facilities at Medium Custodial Centre, Uyo.
According to FIDA, the centre houses 1715 inmates against a 613-capacity.
The FIDA Chairperson, Uyo branch, Mrs. Iquo Abia, who stated this during a visit to female inmates at the centre on Thursday, April 4, 2024, pledged to set up intervention measures to look into the problem.
Such measures, she explained, include provision of legal representations, recommendations to relevant government agencies for parole, especially for expectant mothers and infant bearing mothers and pressing for non-custodial sentences for misdemeanours.
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However, Abia advocated the speedy establishment of Mother-Baby Unit and special centres for children within custodial centres.
The Controller of Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr. Julius Ezugwu, represented by the Assistant Controller, Mr. Festus Akpan while appreciating the team for the visit said Mother-Baby Unit in the Correctional Act is awaiting implementation.
Mr. Ezugwu also hinted on the visit by the Board on Prerogative of Mercy to the facility, and hoped that some inmates would be considered for parole.
He stated that inmates awaiting trial constituted about 70 per cent of the population, and appealed to FIDA to assist in ensuring speedy trial.
Mrs Iquo Abia handing over items to Assistant Controller, Mr. Festus Akpan
FIDA, Uyo Branch in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN and Youth Alive Foundation mounted health and mental well-being session, legal clinic and pep-talk for the inmates.
