The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche has disclosed that 48,932 inmates in the nation’s prisons are awaiting trial.
During an interactive session with field officers yesterday, Nwakuche highlighted overcrowding as the service’s primary challenge and disclosed plans to address the problem.
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He explained that the service would work with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to speed up the trial process for inmates awaiting court appearances.
Nwakuche also mentioned that his administration intends to advocate for non-custodial sentences, early release initiatives, and the development of 3,000-capacity state-of-the-art custodial facilities.
Nwakuche stated that, “Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Crediblenewsng.com
