Abuja: A retired Controller of Corrections, Dr. Francis Enobore, has urged state governments to embrace non-custodial measures and accelerate justice delivery to tackle persistent overcrowding in custodial centres across the country. Enobore, who was a former spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), emphasized the need for reform in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Enobore highlighted a recent disclosure by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stating that 93 percent of inmates in custody were being held for state offences. This statistic underlines the critical role of state governments in addressing prison congestion. With Nigeria’s custodial population estimated at about 80,733 inmates, less than 6,000 are held for federal offences, indicating that the overwhelming majority are in custody for violations of state laws.
Enobore pointed out that over 65 percent of inmates in the country’s custodial facilities are awaiting trial, which significantly contributes to overcrowding. He noted that many accused persons are virtually abandoned after arrest due to delays in the justice system, leaving them to spend years awaiting trial. This situation persists despite the availability of alternatives that could resolve such cases without imprisonment.
The former NCoS spokesman warned that overcrowded custodial centres often expose minor offenders to hardened criminals, complicating proper classification and rehabilitation. This scenario increases the risk of radicalization, recidivism, and security breaches within correctional facilities.
Highlighting the financial implications of overcrowding, particularly for state governments, Enobore explained that at the current feeding allowance of N1,125 per inmate a day, the estimated 75,081 inmates held for state offences would require more than N2.53 billion monthly for feeding alone. This sum excludes expenditures on accommodation, healthcare, clothing, potable water, electricity, logistics for court appearances, security, and vocational training programmes.
Enobore emphasized the importance of adopting non-custodial measures to reduce overcrowding while preserving family and social ties. He called on the Minister of Interior and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to convene a national stakeholders’ meeting on custodial overcrowding. Such a forum would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to develop coordinated and sustainable solutions to the challenge.