NCoS reveals 53,836 inmates awaiting trial nationwide

In a recent disclosure by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), it was revealed that as of December 18, a staggering 53,836 inmates in the 253 correctional centers nationwide are awaiting trial. Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar shared this information during a press briefing in Abuja, shedding light on the state of the country’s correctional system.

Umar presented a comprehensive overview of the inmate population, indicating that within the same period, the total number of inmates by conviction and those awaiting trial reached 77,849. Notably, 31% of this population consists of convicted inmates, totaling 24,013, with 23,569 being male and 444 female.

A concerning revelation from the statistics is that 69% of inmates in Custodial Centres are awaiting trial, posing a significant challenge to the correctional service. Umar identified dilapidated custodial structures as a major contributing factor, leading to overcrowding and congestion within the facilities.

Addressing this issue, Umar highlighted the government’s efforts in constructing 3,000 ultra-modern custodial facilities across the six geopolitical zones. The aim of this initiative is to alleviate congestion, improve living conditions for inmates, and promote their overall welfare and health.

The spokesperson mentioned that one of these facilities, located in Kano, has already been inaugurated, with expectations for the swift completion of the remaining facilities currently under construction. This move represents a crucial step towards reforming the correctional system and ensuring a more just and humane treatment of individuals within the Nigerian correctional facilities.