The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that the number of inmates on death row in custodial centres across the country now stands at 3,590.
The figure represents a fraction of the total 84,741 inmates — 82,821 males and females 1,920 — currently housed in custodial facilities as at September 3, 2024.
The Nigeria Correctional Service made the revelation through its spokesperson, ACC Abubakar Umar, on Wednesday, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
He expressed concerns over the substantial number, acknowledging the Service’s ongoing efforts to address the issue and ensure proper judicial procedures.
Additionally, Umar also put the total number of Awaiting Trial Inmates at 57,750, comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
“The breakdown according to their categories is as follows: convicted inmates are 21,900, comprising 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers are 1,501, comprising 1,478 males and 23 females.
“The total number of inmates on death row is made up of 3,517 males and 73 females, making a total of 3,590,” he said.
Umar explained that the majority of inmates in custody were awaiting trial persons, which posed a significant challenge for the Service due to their high number.
He, however, assured that the Service was taking steps to address the issue and to ensure timely judicial processing for the Awaiting Trial Persons.
“Thanks to the initiative and backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, we successfully reduced the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines and/or compensation.
“The Service is also tackling custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, the expansion of community sentencing, improvement of court logistics, and the implementation of various decongestion measures, in addition to the release of inmates,” he said.
LEADERSHIP reports that prison congestion has remained a challenge for the NCoS and justice administration in Nigeria.
