In a move to uphold human rights and promote justice, the Cross River State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Remi O. Ajuga, has facilitated the release of five detainees during a routine monitoring visit to the Yakurr Divisional Police Headquarters in Ugep.
The visit, which took place on Friday, June 13, 2025, was part of the Commission’s ongoing detention centre audit and protection mandate.
During the visit, the NHRC team conducted a comprehensive profiling of the nine male detainees in custody, assessing both their legal status and the general condition of the detention facility.
Findings revealed that five of the detainees were eligible for administrative bail in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) and other relevant legal instruments.
Acting on the Commission’s advice, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) promptly granted bail to the eligible individuals.
In an engagement with the NHRC team, the DPO noted that strict compliance with the "Bail is Free" policy has led to increased public trust and a significant reduction in gang-related attacks on the facility, which in the past were often linked to allegations of extortion during bail processes.
The NHRC also raised concerns regarding the hygiene of the detention environment and the availability of water, the NHRC team advised the police authorities to implement immediate improvements to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
Furthermore, there was an allegation about the irregular presence of magistrates at the Chief Magistrate Court (CMC) in Ugep and this was said to be delaying the arraignment of suspects.
In response, the Commission extended its visit to the CMC to verify the claim. The court’s registrar, however, refuted the allegation, clarifying that while one magistrate is facing health challenges, the court continues to sit as required with his colleague presiding over the cases. She emphasized that any delay in arraignment should be resolved internally by the police.
The NHRC will continue to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights of detainees and ensuring that due process is followed in all detention and arraignment procedures.
