The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 3,590 inmates are currently on death row in various correctional facilities across the country. Controller General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa, made this revelation during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the need for reform and review of the country’s criminal justice system.
“The number of inmates on death row is a concern, and we need to address the root causes of this trend,” Nababa said. “Many of these inmates have been on death row for over a decade, awaiting execution.”
Nababa attributed the high number to various factors, including:
1. Delayed trials and appeals
2. Inadequate legal representation
3. Overreliance on capital punishment
The NCoS boss emphasized the need for alternative sentencing options and rehabilitation programs to reduce the number of inmates on death row.
“We are working with stakeholders to explore options for decongesting our facilities and ensuring justice is served in a humane manner,” Nababa said.
Human rights organizations have long advocated for the abolition of capital punishment in Nigeria, citing concerns about miscarriages of justice and inhumane treatment.
This revelation by the NCoS has sparked renewed calls for reform and a reevaluation of Nigeria’s approach to justice and punishment.
