ABUJA, Nigeria, December 22, 2023 — The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) disclosed that a staggering 53,836 inmates across 253 correctional centres nationwide are currently awaiting trial as of December 18. The Assistant Controller of Corrections and spokesperson for the service, Abubakar Umar, shared this concerning statistic with our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday.
Mr. Umar provided a breakdown of the inmate population, stating that during the same period, a total of 77,849 inmates were documented, comprising 24,013 convicted individuals. Among the convicted, 23,569 were male inmates, and 444 were female inmates.
Highlighting the significant challenge of dilapidated custodial structures leading to overcrowding, Mr. Umar emphasized that 69% of the inmates in Custodial Centres are awaiting trial, while the remaining 31% are convicted inmates.
Addressing the issue of overcrowding, Mr. Umar mentioned the government’s recent construction of 3,000 ultra-modern custodial facilities across the six geopolitical zones. The aim is to decongest existing centres and improve the welfare and health conditions of the inmates. The completion of the Kano facility has already been inaugurated, and work on the Abuja and Port Harcourt centers is nearing completion.
Expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s efforts, Mr. Umar acknowledged the allocation of N585 million towards settling fines for inmates, a move aimed at further decongesting correctional centres. He also commended the recent release of 4,068 inmates serving various jail terms, emphasizing the positive impact on alleviating the challenges faced by the correctional service.
