The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that at least 3,590 inmates are currently awaiting execution across various custodial facilities in Nigeria.
The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller Abubakar Umar, made this known while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Umar, as of September 3, 2024, the total inmate population in correctional centres nationwide stands at 84,741, with males making up 82,821 and females numbering 1,920.
Additionally, he reported that 57,750 inmates are awaiting trial, consisting of 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
He said: “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.”
According to him, the majority of inmates in custody are awaiting trial, which presents a significant challenge for the service due to the sheer volume of cases.
He, however, assured that the service is actively working to address the issue and ensure prompt judicial processing for those awaiting trial.
He said: “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, the improvement of court logistics, and the implementation of various decongestion measures, in addition to the release of inmates.”
Umar stated that the Service’s efforts to build partnerships with other agencies have paid off, leading to enhanced security and positive results in and around custodial facilities.
He said: “The Service has taken steps to reinforce the security of custodial facilities against external threats, and we have maintained a stable and secure environment within our facilities, with no incidents of internal insurrection.”
Umar also noted that the Service had seen significant enhancements in the treatment and care of inmates, particularly in personal reformation, rehabilitation programmes, and successful reintegration into society.
He added that the partnership between the NCoS and National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) had yielded practical results, with a significant number of inmates enrolled in various academic programmes, including advanced degrees, while serving their sentences.
He stated that the NOUN special study center had 1,282 inmates enrolled as of 31 August 2024.
Umar said: “A breakdown according to their various programmes includes: the total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Bachelor of Science degrees as of 31 August is 1,215.
“The total number of NOUN inmate students studying for postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees as of 31 August is 62.
“Also, the total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Doctor of Philosophy degrees is five, with three currently writing their thesis.”
Leave a comment