Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Prison Outreach Frees Over 15 Inmates in Cross River
By Ekanem Asuquo
More than 15 inmates of the Afokang Correctional Centre, Calabar, have regained their freedom following the continuation of a humanitarian Prison Outreach Programme led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, in collaboration with the Cross River State Law Students Association (UNICAL).
The outreach, which took place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, witnessed the Senator’s return to the correctional facility alongside his wife, Mrs. Nela Ekpenyong, legal practitioners, law students and correctional officials, in a collective effort aimed at promoting access to justice and humane correctional reforms.
The intervention resulted in the release of inmates who had remained in custody primarily due to their inability to pay fines attached to misdemeanor convictions. The development brought relief and renewed hope to the affected individuals and their families.
Describing the visit as deeply moving, Senator Ekpenyong said the exercise stresses the need for a justice system anchored on compassion, rehabilitation and second chances.
“This visit reaffirmed our commitment to justice with compassion, rehabilitation, and a correctional system that truly gives people a second chance,” he stated.
The Senator commended the cooperation of the Nigerian Correctional Service and legal professionals who worked to ensure due process in securing the releases. He also praised the involvement of law students, noting that the initiative provided them with practical exposure to public-interest law and the human side of justice.
