Panel Demands Urgent Reforms in Nigeria’s Correctional System Amid Rising Death Row Inmates

Abuja: An Independent Investigative Panel on alleged “Corruption and other Violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service has called for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s correctional system in light of alarming statistics indicating that there are currently 3,845 inmates on death row, including 81 women.

During a public hearing held on Tuesday, July 12, in Abuja, panel members raised critical issues surrounding inadequate facilities for female inmates, challenges in managing death row populations, and the pressing need for enhanced welfare and rehabilitation programs.

Panel secretary, Dr. Uju Agomoh, highlighted that women make up only 2.3 per cent of the inmate population.

According to her, while six facilities are designated for female prisoners, only three are fully operational.

Citing Section 34 of the NCoS Act 2019, Agomoh insisted that the NCoS must provide compliance details and identify gaps in mixed centres.

In a further push for accountability, she requested records of pregnancy tests conducted on female inmates over the past year to be compared with admission figures.

Agomoh described the management of death row inmates as particularly challenging, emphasising that their feeding requirements are higher, necessitating special attention to maintain order.

She urged the NCoS to allocate budgetary provisions for better rehabilitation programs, referencing Section 12(2c), which allows inmates to seek remedies through the courts or the prerogative of mercy.

“The NCoS has been instructed to submit a full list of male and female death row inmates, as well as those whose sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment,” she stated.

Referencing the needs of physically disabled inmates, Agomoh called for a nationwide audit of facilities to assess accessibility and resource needs in line with Section 23 of the Act.

Regarding mentally ill inmates, she cited Section 24. She sought updates on protocol signings by NCoS Comptroller-General Sylvester Nwakuche, as well as information on Mental Health Review Boards and facilities catering to inmates with mental illnesses.

These directives aim to ensure humane, lawful, and gender-sensitive treatment of inmates across Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

Agomoh demanded fair coverage and reportage, urging journalists to provide accurate reporting to protect the integrity of the public hearing process.

She acknowledged the challenges of managing death row inmates, particularly due to overcrowding, prolonged legal processes, financial constraints, and systemic neglect.

Cyrus Lekatile, Assistant Controller General, expressed concern over the extreme overcrowding and the psychological toll of indefinite detention, stating, “There are 3,845 inmates on death row, with 81 of them being females.”

Lekatile noted that the high number of death row inmates exacerbates overcrowding and hampers adequate care and rehabilitation efforts. 

He pointed out the rising tensions within correctional centres, attributing it to unmet demands and miscommunication among inmates regarding their rations.

“They maintain their ration should exceed those of other inmates. Unfortunately, the government recognises only one-person single rations, which poses a security threat,” he emphasised.

Lekatile, therefore, called for comprehensive reform, advocating for a review of capital punishment laws and increased budgetary support for correctional facilities to address these pressing issues.