Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that over 50,000 inmates are currently awaiting trial across the country’s correctional centres, with 3,569 others languishing on death row.
Spokesman of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, disclosed this during an interview with The Punch, extracted by PLATFORM TIMES, highlighting the severe overcrowding in Nigerian prisons.
According to Abubakar, a total of 80,000 inmates occupy facilities originally designed to accommodate just 50,000, leading to systemic challenges in the correctional system.
He lamented the slow dispensation of justice as a major contributor to the overcrowding, stating, “As I speak to you, the inmate population in Nigeria stands at over 80,000, occupying spaces meant for just a little above 50,000.
Out of this number, about 69 per cent are awaiting trial persons, most of whom face capital offences such as armed robbery, murder, and culpable homicide.”
On the growing number of death row inmates, Abubakar attributed the situation to a moratorium on executions, which prevents the NCoS from carrying out death penalties without the approval of state authorities.
“As of November 11, 2024, we have a total of 3,569 inmates on death row.
These offenders are difficult to manage, especially in terms of their psychological and emotional well-being.
However, we are trained to contain their excesses and manage them in line with Standard Minimum Rules.”
He explained that the Service employs various rehabilitative strategies, including risk and needs assessments, anger management courses, and vocational training programmes to reintegrate high-profile offenders.
“Through these programmes, inmates acquire skills that equip them to become responsible members of their communities upon release.”
Abubakar also addressed the recent prison breaks in Suleja and Maiduguri custodial centres, attributing the incidents to natural disasters.
He assured the public that collaborative efforts with security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders have resulted in the recapture of many escapees.
“The synergy between the Service and relevant agencies is very strong and cordial. I assure you that in no distant time, all of the escaped inmates will be recaptured and returned to safe custody.”
On urban encroachment, he noted that several custodial centres have been overtaken by expanding urbanisation, making relocation inevitable.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is liaising with relevant stakeholders to relocate affected facilities to safer locations.
This move is aimed at promoting public safety and providing a conducive environment for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.”
In a bid to tackle overcrowding, Abubakar revealed that an audit of custodial centres is underway, initiated by the Minister of Interior.
The audit aims to gather data to inform policies that will improve prison conditions and uphold inmates’ rights.
Addressing concerns about alleged human rights abuses within correctional facilities, he stated, “The Service does not condone any form of human rights abuses.
“We work with the National Human Rights Commission and Civil Society Organisations to ensure the rights of inmates are protected and respected.”
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