According to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), there are currently 3,590 inmates on death row across various custodial centers in Nigeria.
This information was disclosed by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
As of September 3, 2024, the total inmate population in Nigerian custodial facilities is reported to be 84,741, consisting of 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
Among these, a significant 57,750 are Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI), comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
Umar provided a detailed breakdown of the inmate categories: there are 21,900 convicted inmates (21,519 males and 381 females) and 1,501 serving life sentences (1,478 males and 23 females). The death row population includes 3,517 males and 73 females.
The high number of Awaiting Trial Inmates poses a considerable challenge for the NCoS.
However, Umar reassured that measures are being implemented to tackle this issue, including initiatives aimed at timely judicial processing.
He also noted the positive impact of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, which resulted in the release of 4,063 inmates who were able to pay fines or compensation.
To address custodial congestion, the NCoS is focusing on several strategies, including constructing new facilities, expanding community sentencing options, and improving court logistics.
Umar highlighted the service’s commitment to security, noting that there have been no incidents of internal insurrection in custodial facilities, and measures have been reinforced to protect these centers against external threats.
In addition to security, the NCoS is emphasizing inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The agency has partnered with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to provide educational opportunities for inmates, with 1,282 currently enrolled in various programs, including Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Umar concluded by stating that these efforts are aimed at improving the overall treatment and care of inmates while preparing them for successful reintegration into society.
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