The population of inmates on death row in Nigerian correctional facilities has risen from 3,590 in September 2024 to 3,688 as of March 2025, marking an increase of 98 prisoners within six months.
This was revealed by the Acting Controller-General of Prisons, Sylvester Nwakuche, during his screening before the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Accompanied by senior officials, Nwakuche outlined the major challenges facing the prison system, particularly the growing number of inmates awaiting trial. He pointed out that overcrowding is most severe in urban facilities, making it a critical issue that requires urgent attention.
He attributed part of the problem to state governors’ reluctance to either authorize executions or convert death sentences to life imprisonment, which would facilitate the transfer of inmates to less congested rural prisons.
“The number of inmates on death row has risen to 3,688 from 3,590 recorded in September 2024. One of our biggest hurdles is that governors are unwilling to approve executions or commute sentences to life imprisonment,” Nwakuche explained.
To address the issue of delayed trials and prison congestion, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration between correctional services and key security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
He assured that his administration would work closely with these agencies to enhance the justice system and ease congestion in correctional facilities nationwide.
(Prompt news)