(NCoS) has disclosed that no fewer than 3,590 inmates across custodial centres in Nigeria are currently on death row.
This information was provided by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Umar reported that, as of September 3, 2024, the total number of inmates in correctional centres nationwide stands at 84,741, consisting of 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
He also revealed that 57,750 of these inmates are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), with 56,303 males and 1,447 females.
Providing further details, Umar stated, “The breakdown according to their classes is: convicted inmates are 21,900, comprising 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers are 1,501, consisting of 1,478 males and 23 females. The total number of Inmates on Death Row (IDR) is 3,590, made up of 3,517 males and 73 females.
”Umar noted that the high number of Awaiting Trial Persons is a significant challenge for the Service. However, he assured that steps are being taken to address this issue and to expedite the judicial process for these inmates.
“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,” Umar said.
He added that the NCoS is also tackling custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, the expansion of community sentencing, the improvement of court logistics, and the implementation of various decongestion measures, in addition to the release of inmates.
