Nigeria Correctional Service Reveals Alarming Number of Inmates on Death Row
The Nigeria Correctional Service has disclosed that a staggering 3,590 inmates are on death row across the country’s custodial centers. The revelation comes as the service struggles to manage the increasing number of awaiting trial inmates, with a total of 57,750 awaiting trial persons in custody. In this article, we will delve into the current state of Nigeria’s correctional system and the efforts being made to address the challenges faced by the service.
According to Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, the total number of inmates in custodial centers across the country is 84,741, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females as of September 3, 2024. The majority of these inmates, 57,750, are awaiting trial persons, posing a significant challenge for the service due to their high numbers. Umar explained that the service is taking steps to address the issue and ensure timely judicial processing for the awaiting trial persons.
The service has also released 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines and/or compensation, thanks to the initiative and backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. In addition, the service is tackling custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, the expansion of community sentencing, improvement of court logistics, and the implementation of various decongestion measures.
Umar noted that the service has seen significant enhancements in the treatment and care of inmates, particularly in personal reformation, rehabilitation programs, and successful reintegration into society. The partnership between the NCoS and NOUN has also yielded practical results, with a significant number of inmates enrolled in various academic programs, including advanced degrees, while serving their sentences.
As of 31 August 2024, 1,282 inmates were enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) special study center, with a breakdown of the programs as follows: 1,215 students studying for Bachelor of Science degrees, 62 students studying for Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees, and five students studying for Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with three currently writing their thesis.
The revelation of the staggering number of inmates on death row in Nigeria’s custodial centers highlights the need for urgent action to address the challenges faced by the correctional service. The service’s efforts to release inmates who have the option to pay fines and/or compensation, as well as its initiatives to enhance treatment and care of inmates, are steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem and ensure a more humane and effective correctional system.
