In a startling revelation, Nigeria’s correctional service has brought to light a dire prison crisis plaguing the country. Recent statistics have unveiled a deeply concerning situation, with over 70% of inmates in Nigerian prisons awaiting trial, some enduring their confinement for more than a decade.
The Assistant Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Gimba Dumbulwa, shed light on this alarming state of affairs during a conference on decongestion and corrections administration held in the capital city of Abuja.
Dumbulwa disclosed that as of May 9th, there are a total of 75,436 inmates across correctional centers in the country, with a staggering 52,446 classified as awaiting trial inmates, News About Nigeria reports.
Perhaps the most distressing aspect of this crisis is the length of time many of these individuals have spent behind bars without their day in court.
Startlingly, over 5,000 inmates have been incarcerated for more than five years without a trial, while an additional 10,000 have been awaiting justice for a period ranging from one to six years.
Even more harrowing, over 2,000 inmates have languished in custody for over a decade without any resolution to their cases.
The delays in the legal process have severely hindered the efforts of Controller General Haliru Nababa to tackle prison overcrowding and improve conditions.
To address the immediate challenge of overcrowded custodial facilities, the NCoS has been compelled to transfer inmates to other prisons with available space.
However, this temporary measure fails to address the root of the problem, leaving a vast number of inmates stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and injustice.
Uju Agomoh, the Executive Director of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has emphasized the urgent need to empower the judiciary for a swifter dispensation of justice.
Agomoh has stressed that the current situation sees a disproportionate number of individuals held in correctional facilities for excessive periods, far exceeding what is justifiable.
To address this issue effectively, the government must prioritize empowering the judiciary, ensuring that cases are heard and resolved in a timely manner.
The prison crisis in Nigeria is a grave human rights concern that necessitates immediate attention and action. By undertaking comprehensive reforms, the government can work towards a more equitable and just society while providing hope and second chances to those affected by this deeply troubling situation.
