Nigeria’s Death Row Inmates Rise to 3,688, Executive Calls for Collaboration
Nigeria’s death row inmate count has reached 3,688, a 2.73% increase since September 2024, according to Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, the Acting CG of NCoS. He emphasized collaboration with law enforcement to address the backlog of awaiting executions, and the need for governors to sign execution warrants or commute sentences to alleviate prison congestion.
The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, informed the Senate that the total number of death row inmates in Nigeria has risen to 3,688, an increase from 3,590 recorded in September 2024. This represents a 2.73 percent increase, with 98 additional prisoners added to death row within a six-month span.
Mr. Nwakuche highlighted the collaboration needed between the NCoS and various agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to enhance the justice system and expedite trials. He regarded the backlog of inmates awaiting execution as a primary challenge facing the correctional services, which is compounded by the reluctance of state governors to sign execution warrants or commute death sentences to life imprisonment.
Moreover, Mr. Nwakuche indicated that commuting sentences to life imprisonment would facilitate better distribution of inmates, alleviating congestion in urban correctional facilities. He emphasized that urban centers suffer from overcrowding compared to rural facilities, hindering effective management of the correctional system.
In his efforts to address prison congestion, Mr. Nwakuche called for strengthened collaboration among various law enforcement agencies. He expressed concerns regarding the prolonged detention of inmates, stating that many remain incarcerated for years awaiting trial or sentencing, hindering their timely reintegration into society.
In summary, the rising number of death row inmates in Nigeria to 3,688 underscores significant challenges in the correctional system. The Acting Controller General is advocating for collaborative reform to address inmate congestion, particularly emphasizing the need for state governors to cooperate in the execution process or to commute sentences. A streamlined justice system is essential for the effective management of correctional facilities and the reduction of prolonged incarceration without trial.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
