The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 3,590 inmates are currently on death row across the country’s custodial centres.
Abubakar Umar, the Public Relations Officer of NCoS and Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC), shared this information with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday. Umar reported that as of September 3, 2024, there are 84,741 inmates in total, including 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
Among the total inmate population, there are 57,750 Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs), comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females. Convicted inmates number 21,900, with 21,519 males and 381 females, while lifers total 1,501, including 1,478 males and 23 females. The death row population is made up of 3,517 males and 73 females, bringing the total to 3,590.
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Umar acknowledged the challenge posed by the high number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) and assured that measures are being taken to address it, including timely judicial processing. He noted that recent initiatives, supported by the Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have led to the release of 4,063 individuals who paid fines or compensation.
The NCoS is also addressing custodial congestion through new facility construction, community sentencing expansion, court logistics improvements, and other decongestion measures. Partnerships with other agencies have enhanced security and operational results, with no internal disturbances reported.
Umar highlighted improvements in inmate care, particularly in reformation and rehabilitation programs, and noted significant progress in education. As of August 31, 2024, 1,282 inmates were enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) special study centre. Of these, 1,215 are pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees, 62 are studying for Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees, and five are working towards Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with three currently writing their theses.
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