The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that 3,590 inmates are currently on death row in various custodial facilities across the country. This revelation was made by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC), Abubakar Umar, during an interview with journalists in Abuja on September 4, 2024.
Umar disclosed that as of September 3, 2024, the total inmate population in Nigeria’s correctional centers stands at 84,741, with 82,821 males and 1,920 females. Of this population, 57,750 are Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs), comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
The breakdown further shows that 21,900 inmates have been convicted, with 21,519 males and 381 females among them. Additionally, there are 1,501 lifers, including 1,478 males and 23 females. The number of inmates on Death Row consists of 3,517 males and 73 females.
Umar highlighted the challenges posed by the large number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) and assured that the service is working on measures to address this issue, including improving judicial processing times.
He also mentioned that recent efforts by the NCoS, backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led to the release of 4,063 inmates who were given the option to pay fines or compensation. To tackle custodial congestion, the NCoS is expanding facilities, implementing community sentencing, and improving court logistics.
The NCoS has also made strides in enhancing inmate care, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. Notably, the collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has yielded positive results, with 1,282 inmates enrolled in various educational programs as of August 31, 2024. This includes inmates pursuing Bachelor’s degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s degrees, and even Doctorates.
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