No Fewer Than 3590 Inmates Are On Death Row – NCoS

The Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, has revealed that, no fewer than 3590 inmates, are on death row.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, has made this known. On Wednesday September 4th, in Abuja.

He said, “the breakdown according to their categories is as follows. Convicted inmates are 21,900, comprising 21,519 males and 381 females. While lifers are 1,501, comprising 1,478 males and 23 females.”

“The total number of inmates on death row is made up of 3,517 males and 73 females, making a total of 3,590.”

“Thanks to the initiative and backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. We successfully reduced the inmate population by releasing 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines and/or compensation.”

“The Service is also tackling custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities. The expansion of community sentencing, the improvement of court logistics, and the implementation of various decongestion measures, in addition to the release of inmates.”

 “The Service has taken steps to reinforce the security of custodial facilities against external threats, and we have maintained a stable and secure environment within our facilities, with no incidents of internal insurrection.”

Umar then stated that there has been notable changes in the inmates, in both treatment and in care. Most especially in their personal reformation, rehabilitation programmes, and also, their reintegration into the society.

He also said the partnership NCoS and NOUN has yielded good results. This is because a great number of inmates were enrolled into various academic programmes. Which also includes advanced degrees, while they are serving their sentences.

As at 31st August,2024, 1,282 inmates were enrolled into the National Open University (NOUN), special study centre.

Five inmates are said to be studying for Doctor of Philosophy degrees, while three are already writing their thesis.