Over 48,000 inmates in Nigerian prisons are awaiting trial, causing severe overcrowding in correctional facilities, according to Sylvester Nwakuche, the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Speaking during an interactive session with field officers on Monday, Nwakuche disclosed, “As of January 6, 2025, our statistics show that 48,932 inmates in custody are Awaiting Trial Persons.”
He described overcrowding as the most pressing challenge facing the NCoS. “Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS,” he said.
To tackle the issue, Nwakuche announced plans to collaborate with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to speed up trials.
He also revealed that the NCoS is working on implementing non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms, as well as building 3,000-capacity ultramodern custodial facilities.
“This administration will explore the window of opportunities as provided by the non-custodial measures to address the influx of inmates into our facilities,” Nwakuche stated.
He urged field officers to engage state Chief Judges and Attorneys-General to accelerate local 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.
Nwakuche further assured that priority would be given to cases involving serious crimes like armed robbery and murder, which make up over 60% of inmates awaiting trial.
These measures, he said, aim to decongest prisons and ensure a more efficient justice system in Nigeria.
