Kehinde Fajobi
Sylvester Nwakuche, acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has disclosed that 48,932 inmates in the country’s prisons are awaiting trial.
Speaking on Monday during an interactive session with field officers, Nwakuche highlighted overcrowding as the NCoS’s most critical challenge and outlined measures to address the issue.
He said the service would work with the attorney-general of the federation, the inspector-general of police, and other prosecuting agencies to speed up trials for inmates awaiting court proceedings.
“Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS,” Nwakuche said.
He revealed plans to implement non-custodial measures, early release mechanisms, and the construction of 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial facilities to reduce congestion.
He continued, “While engaging state chief executives to expedite the trial of the over 90 per cent state offenders in custody, the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms will be taken up with the judiciary.
“We will also fast-track the construction of proposed 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial facilities and other centres across the country.
“Presently, our statistics as of Monday, January 6, 2025, showed that 48,932 inmates in custody are awaiting trial persons (ATPs).
“I intend to interface with the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, the inspector-general of police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates.
“This is necessary, especially those on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder, and others that constitute over 60 per cent of awaiting trial persons (ATPs).”
Nwakuche urged field officers to collaborate with state officials, including chief judges and attorneys-general, to ensure speedy prosecutorial processes.
“I implore you to reach out to the state chief judges, attorneys-general of your states, and other stakeholders to cash in on this; some of them need to be educated on this,” he said.
He also warned prison officers against any form of misconduct, emphasising that indiscipline would not be tolerated under his administration.
Meanwhile, a review of the NCoS website shows a discrepancy in figures, with the platform listing the number of awaiting trial inmates as 52,903 as of January 6, 2025.