By James Isaac, Abuja
The number of inmates on death row in Nigeria has risen to 3,688, marking an increase of 98 prisoners within six months, the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, has disclosed.
Speaking during his screening before the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Nwakuche described the worsening congestion in correctional facilities as a major crisis, calling for urgent collaboration among security and judicial agencies to expedite justice delivery.
He attributed part of the problem to state governors’ refusal to sign execution orders or commute death sentences to life imprisonment, a move that could ease overcrowding by transferring inmates to less congested rural facilities.
“Our greatest challenge is the overwhelming number of inmates awaiting trial. Many have spent five to six years in custody without trial. Some would have served shorter sentences if convicted, yet they remain indefinitely detained. This must change,” Nwakuche stated.
The NCoS boss emphasized the need for stronger synergy with key security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to address cases of prolonged detention.
He revealed that he had personally engaged top security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, to fast-track legal processes that would decongest correctional centers nationwide.
“Many inmates are simply waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s advice, yet their fate remains uncertain. Without urgent collaboration, they will continue to languish in prison unnecessarily,” he warned.
As the Senate Committee review his performance, Nwakuche vowed to implement far-reaching reforms to accelerate trials, improve prison conditions, and address the growing backlog of cases clogging Nigeria’s justice system.
