Senator Targets Prison Overcrowding Caused by Unpaid Minor Fines

The stark reality of Nigeria’s justice system was brought into sharp focus this week as Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. raised an alarm over the growing number of inmates trapped in correctional facilities simply because they are too poor to pay minor court-ordered fines. Representing the Cross River South Senatorial District, the lawmaker described the situation as a systemic failure that effectively criminalizes poverty, turning short-term penalties into indefinite stays behind bars.

During a poignant visit to the Calabar Correctional Centre, Senator Ekpenyong witnessed firsthand the human cost of these financial hurdles. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Bella Ekpenyong, and several close associates, the Senator spent time engaging with those who have spent years in detention for minor infractions. He argued passionately that the inability to afford a small fine should never be the deciding factor between freedom and a lifetime of incarceration.

The visit, timed to coincide with the end-of-year festivities, was more than a ceremonial gesture. It served as a platform for the Senator to decry what he termed a “grave injustice” occurring within the walls of the nation’s prisons. He noted that many of these individuals are non-violent offenders who have already served significant time but remain stuck in the system due to the lack of a few thousand naira.

Senator Ekpenyong emphasized that such prolonged detention not only destroys the lives of the inmates and their families but also places an unnecessary financial and logistical burden on the state. He questioned the logic of spending millions of taxpayers’ money to house and feed inmates for years over fines that are often negligible in comparison. This cycle, he suggested, contributes heavily to the chronic overcrowding that plagues Nigerian correctional centers.

Beyond the call for systemic reform, the Senator took direct action to alleviate the suffering of several individuals. By settling the outstanding fines for a group of inmates, he facilitated their immediate release, a move that sent ripples of emotion through the facility. For many of the beneficiaries, the sudden intervention was nothing short of a miracle, offering them a clean slate and a chance to return to their families for the new year.

While his focus was on those held for minor fines, the Senator did not overlook the broader population within the center. He spoke directly to inmates facing more serious, substantive charges, urging them to view their time in custody as a period for profound self-reflection. He encouraged them to participate actively in the various rehabilitation and vocational programs offered at the facility to ensure they are better prepared for life after prison.

The lawmaker’s message was one of hope and reform. He reminded the inmates that the walls of the correctional center do not define their future value to society. By embracing education and personal discipline, he noted, they could transform their current hardship into a foundation for a productive life once their legal obligations are fulfilled.

Senator Ekpenyong also took a moment to acknowledge the often-unseen work of the correctional officers. He commended the staff for their dedication to duty despite the challenging and high-pressure environment of the Calabar facility. Describing their role as a “noble service” to the federation, he called for more sustained institutional support and better resources for the men and women tasked with managing the nation’s inmate population.

The gratitude from the released inmates was palpable as they prepared to exit the gates of the Calabar Correctional Centre. Many described the Senator’s intervention as a “divine rescue,” noting that they had lost all hope of being freed before the end of the year. Their stories of being stuck in legal limbo due to petty sums served as a powerful testament to the points raised by the Senator during his visit.

This advocacy comes at a time when judicial reform is at the forefront of national discourse in Nigeria. Legal experts and civil society groups have long argued that the nation’s bail and fine systems disproportionately affect the underprivileged. Senator Ekpenyong’s public stance adds significant political weight to the movement seeking to ensure that justice is not something only the wealthy can afford.

By highlighting the plight of these forgotten inmates, the Senator has set a challenge for both the legislative and executive arms of government. The goal is to move toward a more compassionate and efficient legal framework where minor offenses are met with community service or manageable penalties, rather than the “life sentences” currently imposed by default on the poor.

As the Senator departed the facility, his team indicated that this would not be a one-off event. There are plans to continue monitoring the status of inmates in similar conditions across the region. The hope is that this high-profile intervention will spark a broader conversation about the necessity of judicial clemency and the urgent need to decongest Nigerian prisons through fair and accessible financial penalties.