The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that there are at least 3,590 inmates currently on death row within the country’s custodial facilities.
During an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC), Abubakar Umar, disclosed that the overall inmate population in Nigeria’s correctional centres stands at 84,741, which includes 82,821 males and 1,920 females as of September 3, 2024.
The NCoS representative reported that the number of Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs) totals 57,750, comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 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 stated that many individuals in custody were Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), which presents a considerable challenge for the service due to their substantial numbers.
Nevertheless, he assured that the service is implementing measures to tackle this issue and facilitate 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 highlighted that there have been considerable improvements in the treatment and care of inmates, especially regarding personal development, rehabilitation initiatives, and effective reintegration into society.
He further emphasized that the collaboration between the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is producing tangible outcomes, with a notable number of inmates participating in various educational programs, including advanced degrees, during their incarceration.
As of August 31, 2024, 1,282 inmates were registered at the special study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“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
