In a landmark step toward strengthening the administration of criminal justice and safeguarding fundamental human rights in Cross River State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch—popularly known as the Doyen Bar—has successfully conducted its first-ever detention facility oversight visit to police detention centers in the state.
The historic exercise, held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, was facilitated through the Human Rights Committee of the Branch and forms part of its broader commitment to ensuring compliance with Section 33 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Cross River State, 2016.
The inspection covered detention facilities at the Cross River State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and the State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), both located at the Police Headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar.
The initiative followed a resolution of the 9th Executive Committee Meeting of the NBA Calabar Branch and was preceded by formal engagement with the Administrative Magistrate of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Moore Road, Calabar, seeking collaboration to institutionalize routine detention facility inspections across the state.
The exercise was supervised by Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene, Esq., Administrative Chief Magistrate and Presiding Magistrate of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Calabar, with assistance from Chief Magistrate Okoho Bassey Otu, Esq., Presiding Magistrate of Chief Magistrate Court 7.
The NBA Calabar Branch delegation was led by its Chairman, Enome James Amatey, Esq., alongside the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, Joseph Apajung, Esq., who coordinated members of the Branch during the visit.
Commending the initiative, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Nsikak Nse Effiong, described the oversight mechanism as a progressive development capable of enhancing transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustained cooperation in the conduct of such inspections.
In her remarks, Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene, Esq., applauded the NBA Calabar Branch for its commitment to justice sector reform, noting the judiciary’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at protecting the constitutional rights of detainees and ensuring fair administration of justice.
She reaffirmed the Bench’s commitment to upholding the rights of persons in custody in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and applicable laws governing criminal justice administration.
The Chairman of the Branch, Enome James Amatey, Esq., expressed appreciation to the Police and the Judiciary for their collaboration, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the Branch’s commitment to the effective implementation of the ACJL and broader justice reform efforts.
He emphasized that routine detention facility inspections are critical for identifying unlawful detention, monitoring detention conditions, safeguarding detainees’ rights, and ensuring timely legal interventions.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Director of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Rose U. Okoi, Esq., described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that the collaboration among justice sector stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to accountable justice delivery.
Stakeholders at the event described the exercise as the first of its kind in Cross River State, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and institutional oversight of detention facilities.
In his closing remarks, the Vice Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee, Joseph Apajung, Esq., assured that the Branch remains committed to sustaining routine detention inspections as part of its mandate to promote access to justice, protect fundamental rights, and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Observers have hailed the initiative as a model of inter-agency collaboration and proactive leadership, expected to deepen cooperation among the Bar, Bench, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders while improving accountability within the criminal justice system.
As the NBA Calabar Branch continues to champion justice reform, the historic oversight visit stands as a strong testament to its commitment to building a more transparent, accountable, and humane justice system in Cross River State.
Signed:
Monday Wonah Ebiala, Esq.
Publicity Secretary, Doyen Bar
Phitos:
