The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCos) has disclosed that more than 3,590 inmates across the country are currently on death row.
This information was shared by the NCos Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Umar, the total inmate population in Nigerian custodial centres stands at 84,741 as of September 3, 2024. This numbers includes 82,821 male and 1,920 female inmates.
Notably, 57,750 of these inmates are Awaiting Trail Persons (ATPs), comprising of 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
Umar further revealed that there are 21,900 convicted inmates, 1,501 serving life sentences, and 3,590 inmates on death row. The death row inmates consist if 3,517 males and 73 females.
The NCoS spokesperson highlighted the challenges posed by the high number of ATPs, emphasizing that the Service is working to address these issues.
He acknowledged that the NCoS, with support from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has made strides in reducing the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals who were eligible to pay fines or compensation.
To further address custodial congestion, the NCoS has undertaken several initiatives, including the construction of new facilities, expansion of community sentencing, and improvement of court logistics.
Additionally, the Service is enhancing security within custodial centres and strengthening partnerships with other agencies.
Umar also noted significant improvements in inmate treatment, with a focus on personal reformation, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.
A noteworthy development is the partnership between the NCoS and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which has led to 1,282 inmates enrolling in academic programmes as of August 31, 2024.
These programmes include Bachelor of Science degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s degrees, and even Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
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