Over 3,500 inmates on death row – NCoS reveals

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 3,590 inmates across various custodial centres in the country are currently on death row.

This revelation was made by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Umar also provided an update on the overall inmate population, stating that as of September 3, 2024, there are 84,741 inmates in Nigeria’s correctional facilities. This total comprises 82,821 males and 1,920 females.

The NCoS spokesperson further highlighted that a significant portion of these inmates, totaling 57,750, are Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs). Among them, 56,303 are males and 1,447 are females.

“The breakdown according to their classes is: convicted inmates are 21,900, comprising 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers are 1,501, comprising 1,478 males and 23 females.

“The total number of inmates on Death Row (IDR) was made up of 3,517 males and 73 females, making a total of 3,590,” he said.

Umar said that majority of inmates in custody were Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), posing a significant challenge for the service due to their high numbers.

He, however, assured that the service was taking steps to address the issue and ensuring timely judicial processing for the Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).”

“Thanks to the initiative and backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, we successfully reduced the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines and/or compensation.”

“The Service is also tackling custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, expansion of community sentencing, improvement of court logistics, and implementation of various decongestion measures, in addition to the release of inmates,” he said.

Umar stated that the service’s efforts to build partnerships with other agencies have paid off, leading to enhanced security and positive results in and around custodial facilities.

He said, “The Service has taken steps to reinforce the security of custodial facilities against external threats, and we have maintained a stable and secure environment within our facilities, with no incidents of internal insurrection.

Umar also noted that the service saw significant enhancements in the treatment and care of inmates, particularly in the areas of personal reformation, rehabilitation programs, and successful reintegration into society.

He added that the partnership between the NCoS and NOUN was yielding practical results, with a significant number of inmates enrolled in various academic programs, including advanced degrees, while serving their sentences.

He said that a total of 1,282 inmates were enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) special study centre as of August 31, 2024.

“A breakdown according to their various programmes includes: The total number of NOUN inmates studying for a Bachelor of Sciences (B.Sc.) as of August 31 is 1,215.

“The total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) and Masters as of August 31 is 62.

“Also, the total number of NOUN inmate students studying for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is five, and three are currently writing their theses,” he said. (NAN)