According to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), there are currently 3,590 inmates on death row across various custodial centers in Nigeria.
This revelation was made by 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 stands at 84,741, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
Among these, 57,750 are Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI), including 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
Umar detailed the breakdown of inmate categories: there are 21,900 convicted inmates (21,519 males and 381 females) and 1,501 lifers (1,478 males and 23 females). The death row population consists of 3,517 males and 73 females.
Umar emphasized that the high number of Awaiting Trial Inmates presents a significant challenge for the service.
However, he assured that efforts are being made to address this issue, including initiatives for timely judicial processing.
He noted the positive impact of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, which led to the release of 4,063 inmates who were able to pay fines or compensation.
The NCoS is also working on reducing custodial congestion through new facility construction, community sentencing expansion, and improving court logistics.
Umar highlighted the service’s commitment to security, stating that there have been no incidents of internal insurrection in facilities, and the security of custodial centers against external threats has been reinforced.
In addition to security, the NCoS is focusing on inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Partnerships with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have resulted in significant 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 that these efforts are aimed at improving the overall treatment and care of inmates while preparing them for a successful reintegration into society.
