The Nigerian Correctional Service or NCoS has revealed that about 3,298 death row inmates are in prisons across Nigeria.
Abubakar Umar, Public Relations officer of the NCoS disclosed this in an interview with NAN, adding that the number of death row inmates may not be unconnected to the reluctance of state governors to sign death warrants, leaving the prisons congested.
“As of today, we have a total of 3,298 inmates on death row. They constitute about 4.5% of the total number of inmates in our various custodial centers nationwide,” Umar said.
The spokesman added that there are also other inmates who are still waiting for the conclusion of their cases, adding up to the congestion of the correctional facilities.
Umar held that the Service continues to treat every inmate at the prison with dignity and with the belief that good can come from them.
“The good thing is that we engage all of them in activities that will reform and modify their behaviors.
“The goal is to make them better citizens of the nation.
“We also make them undergo personal development programs like anger management, civic education, as well as entrepreneurship,” he said.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that there are about 3,298 death row inmates currently in Nigerian prisons. This number is attributed to the reluctance of state governors to sign death warrants, contributing to prison congestion. These death row inmates make up approximately 4.5% of the total prison population.
In addition to death row inmates, there are other prisoners still awaiting case resolutions, further adding to the overcrowding issues in correctional facilities. Despite the congestion, the NCoS treats all inmates with dignity, focusing on their potential for reform through various engagement activities.
The initiatives include personal development programs like anger management, civic education, and entrepreneurship, aiming to transform inmates into better citizens.
