Increase in Death Row Inmates in Nigeria: A Call for Collaborative Justice Solutions

The Acting Controller General of NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, announced that Nigeria has 3,688 death row inmates, a rise from 3,590. He noted state governors’ hesitance to sign execution warrants as a major challenge. Nwakuche advocated for collaboration with various law enforcement agencies to alleviate jail congestion and improve the justice system’s efficiency.

The Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, reported that there are currently 3,688 inmates on death row in Nigeria. This figure increased from 3,590 in September 2024, marking a 2.73 percent rise as 98 additional prisoners were added to the death row within six months. Nwakuche raised concerns about the reluctance of state governors to sign execution warrants, inhibiting the resolution of this issue.

During his screening by the Senate Committee on Interior, Nwakuche emphasized the collaboration needed with law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police, DSS, EFCC, and ICPC to expedite justice in the nation. He highlighted the urgent need for cooperation to address challenges stemming from inmates awaiting execution, as well as those on trial, notably stressing the significant congestion in urban correctional facilities compared to rural ones.

Nwakuche stated that if governors were to commute death sentences to life imprisonment, it would facilitate a more balanced distribution of inmates, easing congestion in urban facilities. He advocated for meaningful collaboration among various governmental and law enforcement bodies, asserting that successful correctional practices rely on effective partnerships with the agencies responsible for prosecution.

Reflecting on the slow justice system, he pointed out that some inmates have lingered in correctional facilities for six or more years, despite potential eligibility for shorter sentences. He called for cooperation to ensure that unnecessary incarceration is minimized, asserting that some of these individuals could be acquitted relatively quickly if proactive measures are taken. The committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, plans to submit a report based on Nwakuche’s performance during the screening.

In conclusion, the report from Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche reveals critical issues surrounding the state of death row inmates in Nigeria, highlighting the increase in numbers and the bottleneck caused by the reluctance of governors to execute sentences. The necessity for collaboration among various law enforcement agencies is underscored as a pivotal strategy to confront the systemic challenges within the correctional system, particularly the overpopulation of facilities. Furthermore, the slow pace of justice delivery necessitates immediate action to address these entrenched problems for a more efficient correctional process.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com