The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, NBA-SPIDEL, has expressed its willingness to provide free legal assistance to 115 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Uyo, who currently have no access to legal services.
The Chairperson of NBA-SPIDEL, Associate Professor Uju Agomoh, stated this during a ceremony on “Data Collection of Inmates Without Legal Representation and Formal Presentation of Solar-Powered Installation for Borehole and Clinic Lighting Facility” held at Uyo Correctional Centre on Thursday.
Agomoh, who has newly assumed office as chairperson, also urged institutions to ensure that the justice delivery system is “fair, humane, and effective.”
She said, “Officer-in-charge has handed over to us a list of 115 inmates that do not have free legal support. We have taken hold of that list, and we will do the needful. I know that every inmate, all you desire is freedom.”
Agomoh expressed concern that out of the 1,725 inmates at the facility, 1,522 (1,432 males and 90 females) have not yet been convicted, saying this calls for deliberate, multi-layered interventions by the Nigerian Bar Association’s leadership.
Speaking on the solar-powered borehole donated to the facility, the chairperson said the organisation was moved to address reports of the prevailing water crisis at the centre, noting that the intervention followed a request for assistance during a visit to the facility in September 2025.
While urging inmates to take care of the facility and the contractor to ensure its maintenance at no cost, Agomoh also called on the Controller-General of Corrections to immediately map all custodial centres in the country, identifying their levels, status in terms of water provision, sanitation and hygiene, and highlighting where challenges exist so that targeted interventions can be implemented.
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, Theophilus Okoka, appreciated NBA-SPIDEL for its concern for humanity, noting that the intervention would address the acute water shortage the centre has experienced over the years.
“I must also commend NBA-SPIDEL for choosing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution through the use of solar power. I assure our distinguished donors and partners that this facility will be properly maintained and judiciously utilised. The Command takes full ownership of this project and remains committed to ensuring its sustainability,” he said.
The officer-in-charge of Uyo Custodial Centre, Dr Ezekiel Inyang, who also thanked the organisation for addressing the water scarcity at the centre, presented a list of 115 inmates without legal representation for intervention.
NBA-SPIDEL promises legal intervention for 115 inmates in Uyo
