Niger Delta

2,413 Out Of 2,854 Inmates Awaiting Trial In A’Ibom

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

The Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr Julius Ezugwu, has said about 2, 413 out of 2,854 inmates are awaiting trails in the four correctional facilities across the State.
Ezugwu said this at a one-day capacity building workshop for Akwa Ibom State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in Uyo last Friday.
The Tide’s source reports that the event was organised by the Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation.
Ezugwu, who summed up the total number of inmates in their facilities to 2, 854, added that the custodial centres in the state have been overcrowded.
He appealed for the domestication of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state to help decongest custodial Centres.
He said the large number of inmates awaiting trial was responsible for the congestion of the centres, stressing that the facilities were to be a place to reform convicts and not take care of awaiting trial persons.
“We have a total of 2, 854 inmates in the four facilities of the command, that is, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, and Ikot Abasi, respectively.
“Out of the total number, we have about 441 convicts and 2, 413 inmates awaiting trials.
“I want to say that the correctional service has been doing its part creditably and I am happy that this workshop on ACJL will lighten the weight of the correctional service”, Ezugwu said.
In her remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, said the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act by the Criminal Justice Law of the state would have a great impact on the criminal justice system in the state.
Obot, who declared the training open, commended the Centre for organising the workshop to equip committee members with relevant knowledge to function effectively.
She urged participants to take the training serious, adding that the knowledge acquired from the event would help in the administration of criminal justice in the state.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Executive Director, Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre, Mr Osita Okoro, said that there was need for the Committee to have a functional secretariat for better operations.
Osita, represented by Mr Joshua Dada, Consultant with the Centre, urged Akwa Ibom Government to ensure the establishment of a functional, effective and efficient Secretariat for delivery of overall mandate of the ACJMC.
He said: “it is incumbent on the Akwa Ibom State legislature and criminal justice stakeholders to make provisions for the establishment and operation of the ACJMC and its Secretariat to ensure the standards set out above are adopted and implemented in line with the local context of Akwa Ibom state”.
The source reports that participants at the training were drawn from the Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Police and Non Governmental Organisations across the state.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

5 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.