Criticisms Trail Remand of Businessman Archibong Essien by Magistrate Court.

Serious concerns have been raised following the remand of a 45-year-old businessman, Mr. Archibong Essien, in the Afokang Correctional Center, Calabar, by Magistrate Court 1 after the court had already exhausted its cause list and officially risen for the day.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 14, 2025, when Mr. Essien, an indigene of Ikoneto in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, was brought to the court under a remand proceeding initiated by the Commissioner of Police.

Legal practitioners and civil society groups have criticized the unusual timing and procedure, expressing concern over what they describe as a violation of judicial protocol and due process. Several have questioned the legality of the court sitting beyond its official schedule, especially to handle a remand case without the benefit of full judicial scrutiny.

A source close to the legal proceedings, who pleaded anonymity, described the action as “highly irregular and suspect,” stating that “no individual should be subjected to a court process outside normal hours, particularly when liberty is at stake.”Human rights advocates are calling for an urgent review of the case and the circumstances surrounding the remand, demanding transparency from both the judiciary and law enforcement.

Further developments are awaited as pressure mounts on the Cross River State judiciary to clarify the legitimacy of the remand and ensure the rights of the accused are fully protected.