Nigeria’s Death Row Inmate Count Rises to 3,688 Amid Challenges in Justice System
The Acting Controller General of the NCoS reported an increase in death row inmates to 3,688. State governors’ reluctance to sign execution orders complicates issues within correctional facilities. He emphasized the need for collaboration with various agencies to address the backlog of awaiting trial cases and reduce overcrowding.
The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, reported that there are currently 3,688 individuals on death row in Nigeria, an increase from 3,590 recorded in September 2024. This 2.73 percent rise indicates that an additional 98 inmates have been added to death row within a span of six months. Nwakuche discussed this issue during his screening by the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Nwakuche articulated that state governors are reluctant to sign execution warrants or commute death sentences to life imprisonment, which complicates the distribution of inmates across correctional facilities. He emphasized that if death sentences were commuted, it would alleviate congestion in urban correctional centers, making it easier to manage inmate populations more evenly across rural facilities.
The Acting Controller General stated that collaboration with various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), is essential to expedite the justice process. He stressed that an integrated approach is crucial for addressing the backlog of awaiting trial inmates and reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Nwajuche expressed frustration over the slow judicial process, noting that many inmates wait excessively long periods in custody before their cases are resolved. He conveyed that individuals who were sentenced should ideally serve shorter terms but remain in facilities unnecessarily for years. This challenge necessitates greater cooperation between the NCoS and prosecuting agencies.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole indicated that the Senate Committee on Interior will produce a report reflecting the performance of the Acting Controller General during this session.
The increase in death row inmates in Nigeria highlights pressing challenges within the correctional system, primarily due to the stagnation in executing sentences. Enhanced collaboration among various governmental and judicial agencies is deemed vital to ensure justice and address issues such as overcrowding. The Acting Controller General’s call for action aims to alleviate the burdens faced by correctional facilities and expedite judicial processes.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
