Adekola Adelani
The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has disclosed that 48,932 inmates in the country’s prisons are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), highlighting overcrowding as the Service’s most significant challenge.
Speaking during an interactive session with field officers on Monday, Nwakuche announced plans to collaborate with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies to expedite trials.
He also outlined measures such as non-custodial alternatives, early release mechanisms, and the construction of 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial facilities.
“Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS,” he said, urging field officers to liaise with state Chief Judges and Attorneys-General to fast-track prosecutorial processes.
He revealed that over 60 percent of the ATPs face non-bailable offences like armed robbery and murder, stressing the need for urgent action to decongest facilities and improve the correctional system.
