48,932 prison inmates awaiting trial, says acting NCoS CG

Sylvester Nwakuche, acting controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), says 48,932 inmates currently held in the country’s prisons are awaiting trial.

Speaking during an interactive session with field officers on Monday, Nwakuche identified overcrowding as the service’s most significant challenge and announced plans to tackle the issue.

He said the service would collaborate with the attorney-general of the federation, the inspector-general of police, and other prosecuting agencies to expedite trials for inmates awaiting court proceedings.

Nwakuche added that his administration plans to push for non-custodial measures, early release mechanisms, and the construction of 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial facilities.

He urged field officers to liaise with state officials, including chief judges and attorneys-general, to ensure prosecutorial processes are fast-tracked at the local level.

“Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS,” Nwakuche said.

“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 ultramodern custodial facilities and other centres across the country.

“Presently, our statistics as at 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 percent of awaiting trial persons (ATPs).

“This administration will explore the window of opportunities as provided by the non-custodial Measures to address the influx of inmates into our facilities.

“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.”

Nwakuche warned prison officers against misconduct, saying his administration would not tolerate any form of indiscipline.

Checks by TheCable reveal that the NCoS website puts the number of awaiting trial inmates at 52,903 as of January 6, 2025.