3,590 INMATES ON DEATH ROW IN NIGERIA — NCOS

3,590 INMATES ON DEATH ROW IN NIGERIA — NCOS

No fewer than 3,590 inmates across custodial centres in Nigeria are on death row, the Nigeria Correctional Service has revealed.

NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, made this known while speaking in Abuja on Wednesday September 4.

Umar stated that the total number of inmates in centres across the country is 84,741, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females, as of September 3, 2024.

The NCoS spokesman put the total number of Awaiting Trial Inmates at 57,750, comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females.

Umar explained that the majority of inmates in custody are awaiting trial persons, which poses a significant challenge for the service due to their high numbers.

He, however, assured that the Service is taking steps to address the issue and to ensure timely judicial processing for the Awaiting Trial Persons.

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.

Umar also noted that the Service had seen significant enhancements in the treatment and care of inmates, particularly in personal reformation, rehabilitation programmes, and successful reintegration into society.

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