The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has revealed that 48,932 inmates in Nigeria’s correctional facilities are still waiting for their trials.
He shared this information during a meeting with officers on Monday, where he said that overcrowding is the biggest problem facing the NCoS.
To solve this, Nwakuche said the NCoS will work with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other agencies to speed up trials for these inmates.
“Overcrowding is our most serious challenge,” Nwakuche said. He also shared plans to partner with state governments and encourage the use of non-custodial options, such as fines or community service, to reduce the number of people in custody.
He explained that new 3,000-capacity modern facilities are also being planned to help manage the situation.
Nwakuche noted that over 60% of those awaiting trial face serious charges like armed robbery and murder, which are not eligible for bail. He promised to work with key agencies to make their trials faster.
He also urged officers to meet with state Chief Judges and Attorneys-General to speed up court processes at the local level. “Work with them to make the system move faster,” he said.
The Acting CG encouraged officers to educate state officials on how non-custodial measures can reduce overcrowding in prisons.
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