Criticisms have trailed the remand of a 45-year-old businessman, Archibong Essien in the Afokang Correctional Center in Calabar by a Magistrate Court 1 after exhausting its cause list and risen for the day.
The court process happened on Monday July 14, 2025 after the defendant, an indigene of Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area, was brought to court under a remand proceeding by the Commissioner of Police.
During proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Ubi Ofem Esq. prayed the court to remand the defendant pending the advice of the Attorney General of the State.
According to the police, the purpose of the remand request was to ensure safety and security of the defendant at the correctional facility until his arraignment at the High Court in Calabar.
Essien’s defence team requested for the transfer of the case file, arguing that it had become necessary as the affidavit in support of the proceeding, in the estimation of the state, are beyond the jurisdiction of the Magistrate Court.
After listening to submissions, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mercy Ene ordered that Mr. Archibong Essien be remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre, pending the transfer of the matter to the State High Court, Calabar, at a later date for hearing.
The development is generating reactions within the legal circle in the state.
