The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 3,590 inmates are currently on death row across custodial centers in the country.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, revealed that as of September 3, 2024, the total inmate population stands at 84,741, with 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
Among the inmates, 57,750 are awaiting trial, comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females. The breakdown of convicted inmates includes 21,900 individuals, with 21,519 males and 381 females. Additionally, there are 1,501 inmates serving life sentences, consisting of 1,478 males and 23 females.
Umar specified that the death row population includes 3,517 males and 73 females. He highlighted the challenges posed by the high number of awaiting trial inmates, but assured that efforts are underway to address these issues and expedite judicial processing.
Thanks to initiatives supported by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Umar noted that the inmate population has been reduced by releasing 4,063 individuals who were able to pay fines or compensation. He also mentioned that the NCoS is tackling custodial congestion by constructing new facilities, expanding community sentencing, improving court logistics, and implementing various decongestion measures.
The NCoS has also strengthened partnerships with other agencies, leading to enhanced security and improved conditions within custodial facilities. Umar confirmed that there have been no incidents of internal insurrection, and the Service has made significant strides in inmate reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
In partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), the NCoS has enrolled a substantial number of inmates in academic programs. As of August 31, 2024, 1,282 inmates are enrolled in NOUN’s special study center, including 1,215 pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees, 62 working on Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees, and five inmates enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy programs, with three currently writing their thesis.
