Data from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) reveals that out of 84,283 inmates across the country’s 244 correctional centres, 57,288 are still awaiting trial.
The figures show that 55,924 of these awaiting trial inmates are male, while 1,364 are female.
Only 32% (26,995) of the inmates, including 26,530 males and 465 females, have undergone trial.
NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, acknowledged congestion as a significant issue in the correctional facilities. He highlighted ongoing efforts with the judiciary to expedite trials and noted that NGOs are offering pro bono legal services to help inmates without legal representation get their cases heard.
