70% of Cross River Inmates Await Trial as Courts Battle Poor Funding, Transport Crisis

About 70 percent of inmates in custodial centres across Cross River State are still waiting for their cases to be heard, raising fresh concerns over delays in the administration of justice in the state.

According to the 2026 decongestion report of the Cross River State Judiciary, 896 out of 1,278 inmates in six custodial centres across the state were awaiting trial as of August 2026. Only 383 inmates had been convicted. 

The situation has also worsened compared with 2024, when 707 inmates were awaiting trial out of 1,075 inmates. The current figure represents an increase of 189 awaiting-trial inmates, or about 26.7 percent.

Calabar Custodial Centre has the highest number, with 523 inmates awaiting trial and 234 convicted. Obubra has 105 awaiting trial, Ikom 108, Ogoja 73, while Obudu has 78 inmates awaiting trial. 

The report identified inadequate vehicles and poor funding for fuel as major reasons trials are being delayed. The Correctional Service reportedly said the shortage of vehicles has affected the regular movement of inmates from custodial centres to courts.

The judiciary is also facing a funding challenge. The Cross River State Judiciary Funds Management Law, which was designed to give the judiciary direct access to funds meant for its operations, is yet to be implemented five years after it was signed into law. The Chief Judge said this leaves the judiciary dependent on the executive for funding.

The report further described some court infrastructure in the state as deplorable, while the judiciary is operating with only 506 staff against a required workforce of about 3,000.

However, the report noted some positive developments, including the restoration of electricity at the Moore Road Judiciary Complex and plans approved by the State Executive Council for the renovation of the judiciary headquarters and construction of a multipurpose hall.

It also highlighted the performance of the Small Claims Court, which disposed of 98 out of 105 cases filed within 60 days, showing that cases can be handled quickly when the necessary support is available.