The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported a troubling increase in its death row population, now standing at 3,590 inmates.
Abubakar Umar, NCoS Public Relations Officer, disclosed these figures in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 4 in Abuja.
According to Umar, the total inmate count across Nigerian custodial centres is 84,741, with 82,821 males and 1,920 females.
The breakdown includes 57,750 Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs), 21,900 convicted individuals, and 1,501 serving life sentences.
Umar noted that the majority of inmates are ATIs, posing significant challenges for the service. However, he assured that measures are in place to address the issue, including judicial processing and recent initiatives spearheaded by Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
“We have reduced the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals through fines and compensation options,” Umar said.
The NCoS is also expanding facilities and improving community sentencing.
Additionally, 1,282 inmates are currently enrolled in academic programmes with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), including B.Sc., PGD, Masters, and PhD courses.
