The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch (Doyen Bar), has secured the release, bail, and prompt arraignment of several detainees following an official inspection of the Akpet Central Police Station, reaffirming the Branch’s commitment to protecting fundamental human rights and promoting due process.
The inspection, conducted on Friday, July 10, 2026, on behalf of the Chairman and Executive Committee of the Doyen Bar, was carried out pursuant to Section 33 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Cross River State, 2016, which provides for periodic inspection of police detention facilities to prevent unlawful detention and ensure compliance with the law.
The exercise was led by the Administrative Magistrate of the Akpet Central Magistrate Court, His Worship, Chief Magistrate Ndarake I. Ndarake, alongside the Vice Chairman of the NBA Doyen Bar and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee, Joseph Apajung, Esq.
Other members of the inspection team included Patrick Onah, Esq.; the Registrar of Court, Utum Ekambe; the Police Prosecutor, Corporal Mercy Uffia; the Court Duty Police Officer, Inspector Ekam Ofem; ASP James Bassey (DCO I); and Inspector Arikon Disai, the Investigating Police Officer.
During the inspection, the committee reviewed the cases of seven suspects in police custody to ascertain compliance with constitutional safeguards and the requirements of due process.
A major outcome of the exercise was the immediate arraignment of Godface Ndem Archibong, 50, who had been arrested on July 9, 2026, over allegations of conspiracy, forcible entry, threats to kill, and the alleged theft of 500 bunches of palm fruits.
Following the intervention of the Human Rights Committee, he was arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Charge No. MAC/98C/2026, admitted to unconditional bail, and released. The matter was subsequently adjourned to August 10, 2026.
The committee also facilitated the arraignment of Ukeme Edet Ntewo, 28, who had been arrested on July 8, 2026, on allegations of conspiracy and stealing 50 kilograms of palm fruits.
During the proceedings, the nominal complainant informed the court that he had forgiven the defendant and no longer wished to pursue the matter. The prosecution consequently withdrew the charge, prompting the court to strike out the case and discharge the defendant.
In another significant intervention, the committee secured an order for the immediate release of Odiong Asuquo James, who had been detained for allegedly purchasing stolen palm fruits from the discharged defendant.
Although the police had earlier failed to produce him before the court, counsel to the committee successfully argued that there was no legal basis to continue his detention following the discharge of the principal suspect. The Magistrate accordingly ordered his immediate release and directed the Police Prosecutor to ensure compliance.
The committee further reviewed the case of Joshua Moses, who was arrested on July 8, 2026, for alleged burglary.
His arraignment could not proceed because the Divisional Crime Officer handling the matter was unavailable. The court therefore directed that he be produced on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Similarly, Asem Ekpenyong Ehom, arrested on July 8, 2026, was ordered to be produced before the court on the same date for appropriate legal proceedings.
Kanu Egim Ibin, who was arrested on July 9, 2026, over allegations of malicious damage and assault, is also expected to be arraigned on Monday, July 13, 2026.
For Wisdom Kanu Ekpo, arrested on July 9, 2026, on allegations of grievous harm, the police informed the inspection team that investigations were ongoing.
Following the committee’s intervention, the Magistrate directed that he be granted police bail pending the conclusion of investigations. Police authorities assured the committee that the directive would be implemented immediately.
The inspection once again underscored the vital role of the NBA Doyen Bar in safeguarding the constitutional rights of citizens, preventing unlawful detention, and ensuring strict compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law through regular oversight of police detention facilities.
Friday’s exercise marked the second police detention facility inspection undertaken by the current Executive Committee of the NBA Doyen Bar under the leadership of Chairman Enome James Amatey, Esq.
The administration has continued to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening the rule of law, advancing human rights, and enhancing public confidence in the criminal justice system through proactive engagement with law enforcement agencies.
The successful interventions recorded during the inspection reaffirm the Doyen Bar’s resolve to ensure that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to be done, while protecting the rights and dignity of every individual who comes into contact with the criminal justice system.
Monday W. Ebiala, Esq.
Publicity Secretary, NBA Calabar Branch (Doyen Bar)
July 10, 2026
