At least 46 inmates in Akwa Ibom State have reportedly missed scheduled court hearings because the correctional authorities lacked sufficient vehicles to transport them to court.
The development has raised concerns about the impact of logistical challenges on the administration of justice and the rights of inmates awaiting trial.
The affected inmates are being held in correctional facilities in the state and were expected to appear before various courts for their scheduled proceedings.
An official disclosed that the shortage of operational vehicles had made it difficult for correctional officers to transport inmates to court as required.
The situation could lead to further delays in the resolution of cases involving awaiting-trial inmates, many of whom depend on regular court appearances for their matters to progress.
The development also highlights the broader challenges faced by correctional institutions in providing adequate transportation and other essential resources needed to support the justice system.
Stakeholders have continued to call for improved funding and logistics for correctional facilities to ensure that inmates are transported to court whenever their cases are scheduled.
The authorities are expected to address the transportation challenge to prevent further disruptions to court proceedings and ensure that inmates are able to exercise their legal rights without unnecessary delays.
