The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has revealed that 48,932 inmates in the nation’s prisons are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
Speaking during an interactive session with field officers on Monday, Nwakuche described overcrowding as the most pressing issue facing the NCoS and outlined measures to address it.
The Acting CG announced plans to collaborate with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to expedite trials for inmates awaiting court proceedings.
“Overcrowding is undeniably the most significant challenge of the NCoS,” Nwakuche stated. He emphasised efforts to push for non-custodial measures, early release mechanisms, and the construction of 3,000-capacity modern custodial facilities to alleviate the crisis.
Nwakuche also urged field officers to engage with state Chief Judges and Attorneys-General to fast-track prosecutorial processes at the local level.
“Our current data as of Monday, 6 January 2025, shows that 48,932 inmates in custody are ATPs. This includes those held for non-bailable offences like armed robbery and murder, which make up over 60 per cent of the ATP population,” he noted.
To address the influx of inmates, Nwakuche committed to working with judiciary stakeholders to implement non-custodial measures and improve education on their use.
“I encourage you to collaborate with state Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, and other stakeholders to ensure these measures are fully utilised,” he added.