The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, has committed to addressing the backlog of awaiting trial cases and improving the management of custodial facilities nationwide.
According to The PUNCH, during an interactive session with senior officers on Monday at the NCoS National Headquarters in Abuja, Nwakuche outlined key plans aimed at tackling overcrowding and enhancing the integrity of the Service.
Nwakuche emphasized the critical need to maintain secure custody within correctional facilities, stating, “Keeping inmates in secure custody is a premium mandate that should never be compromised. Our role within the internal security architecture of keeping people in safe and humane custody must remain paramount.”
The Acting CG also addressed the recent challenges of escapes, riots, and attacks, which he attributed to negligence.
“The issues of escapes, riots, and attacks that more often than not are results of indolence should never be allowed to repeat themselves. The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs,” he warned. “You have been warned. Take this message to the staff under you.”
With over 48,900 inmates awaiting trial, many of whom face serious charges such as armed robbery and murder, Nwakuche acknowledged the urgency of addressing the situation.
He revealed plans to engage with key stakeholders, including state chief judges, attorneys-general, and the Inspector-General of Police, to expedite the trial process.
“I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast-track the trial of these inmates, especially those on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder, and others that constitute over 60 per cent of Awaiting Trial Persons,” he said.
Nwakuche also advocated for the use of non-custodial measures, such as parole and community service, to ease the pressure on overcrowded facilities. He called for collaboration with state executives and judicial authorities to adopt these measures more widely.
In efforts to reduce overcrowding, Nwakuche announced that the NCoS is constructing new ultramodern custodial facilities with a capacity for 3,000 inmates, with plans for additional centres to further alleviate the strain on existing infrastructure.
He also confirmed that technological solutions would be implemented to enhance security and efficiency, helping to curb incidents of escapes and riots.
“Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS. While engaging State Chief Executives to expedite the trial of over 90 percent of state offenders in custody, the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms will be pursued with the judiciary,” he explained.
The Acting CG also emphasized the importance of humane treatment and proper classification of inmates to aid rehabilitation efforts.
He highlighted the need to expand educational and vocational opportunities within custodial centres, and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for increasing inmates’ daily feeding allowance. “I will continue to advocate for further improvements in the welfare of inmates,” Nwakuche pledged.
Finally, Nwakuche directed senior officers to ensure regular inspections and adherence to strict operational standards in all custodial facilities. “We must ensure that proper monitoring is in place to guarantee the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates,” he concluded.
