NCoS Acting CG Pledges To Drive Reforms To Ensure Speedy Trials, Decongestion Of Correctional Facilities Nationwide
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, has pledged to drive reforms aimed at ensuring speedy trials and decongesting correctional facilities across the country. This move comes as the number of prisoners on death row in Nigeria has surged to 3,688, with an alarming increase of 98 inmates within just six months ¹.
Nwakuche emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between security agencies to expedite justice delivery and decongest prisons. He pointed out that state governors’ failure to execute death row inmates or commute their sentences to life imprisonment has contributed significantly to the congestion. This issue is further complicated by the overwhelming number of inmates awaiting trial, with some having spent five or six years in facilities without trial ¹.
To address these challenges,NCoS Boss has engaged top security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. He stressed the importance of synergy with agencies like the Nigeria Police, EFCC, DSS, and ICPC to resolve cases of prolonged detention ¹.
The Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 has already brought about positive reforms, including the division of the Correctional Service into custodial and non-custodial services. The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to security sector reforms, prioritizing the transformation of the Correctional Service.
“Many inmates are simply waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s advice, yet their fate hangs in limbo. Without proactive engagement with relevant agencies, these individuals will continue to languish in prison unnecessarily,” he warned.
As the Senate Committee reviews his performance, Nwakuche vowed to drive reforms that would ensure speedy trials and the decongestion of correctional facilities nationwide.
