The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reports that over 3,590 inmates are currently on death row in Nigeria, highlighting the growing concerns within the criminal justice system
As per the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), several custodial centers in Nigeria have 3,590 inmates who are currently on death row.
During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar disclosed this information that was made public by NCoS Public Relations Officer.
The current inmate count in Nigerian custodial facilities is 84,741 individuals as of September 3, 2024. This figure consists of a male population comprising the majority with an amount of 82,821 while there are only1,920 females.
Out of these, a total of 57,750 individuals are classified as Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI), with 56,303 being male and the remaining 1,447 being female.
The inmate categories breakdown was provided by Umar, indicating that there are 21,900 convicted inmates comprising of 21,519 males and 381 females. There were also identified to be a total of 1,501 lifers consisting of mostly men with only about twenty-three female convicts among them. The death row population comprises mainly males summing up to about three thousand five hundred and seventeen while the number for their female counterparts is seventy-three individuals altogether.
Umar stressed that the service faces a major challenge due to the plethora of inmates who are awaiting trial.
He made assurances that steps are being taken to tackle the matter by implementing endeavors aimed at prompt judicial handling.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior was acknowledged for his effective influence resulting in the release of 4,063 prisoners who were able to settle fines and compensations as a positive outcome.
New facility construction, expansion of community sentencing and improving court logistics are measures being taken by the NCoS to minimize custodial congestion.
Umar emphasized the dedication of the service to safeguarding security. He stated that no incidents of internal rebellion have occurred at facilities, and custodial centers are now bolstered against external hazards for added protection.
Aside from prioritizing security, the NCoS is also dedicated to rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates back into society. Collaborations with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have led to noteworthy educational prospects for prisoners; at present, 1,282 individuals are registered in diverse programs such as Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
It was Umar’s assessment that the endeavors were geared towards enhancing inmates’ general welfare and medical attention, as well as equipping them for a prosperous reentry into society.
