Rising Death Row Inmate Numbers Highlight Correctional System Challenges in Nigeria

As of March 2025, there are 3,688 death row inmates in Nigeria, up from 3,590 in September 2024. The Acting Controller General of NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, addresses challenges such as governors’ reluctance to sign execution warrants and the need for strategic collaboration with law enforcement agencies to improve the justice system.

The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, informed the Senate that the number of inmates on death row in Nigeria has now reached 3,688, an increase from 3,590 in September 2024. This represents a 2.73 percent rise, attributed to 98 additional inmates joining death row over a six-month period.

During his screening by the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Nwakuche expressed concerns regarding the challenges faced by the correctional service, particularly the inability to execute death sentences. He pointed out that many state governors are reluctant to sign execution warrants or commute death sentences to life imprisonment, which complicates the distribution of inmates across correctional facilities.

Moreover, Nwakuche highlighted that overcrowding is primarily an urban issue, stating that distributing inmates to rural facilities would alleviate this problem. He advocated for strategic collaboration with various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to accelerate the justice process and tackle the issue of awaiting trials.

Nwakuche emphasized the crucial need for cooperation among prosecuting agencies, noting that slow justice processes contribute to prolonged incarceration. He argued that some inmates, who have been in facilities for extended periods without resolution, should be released if their sentences are complete, further urging collaboration to ensure justice is delivered more efficiently. The Senate Committee is expected to submit a report on his performance following the screening.

The Nigerian Correctional Service is currently facing significant challenges, particularly regarding death row inmates and the backlog of awaiting trials. The Acting Controller-General emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among various security and prosecuting agencies to effectively address these issues. A call to action for state governors to sign execution warrants or commute sentences is crucial for alleviating congestion in correctional facilities. The ultimate goal remains enhancing the efficiency of the justice system in Nigeria.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com