The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Kano State has revealed that approximately 70% of inmates in the state’s custodial centers are awaiting trial, while only 30% have been convicted. This information was shared by Musbahu Lawan, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Command, during a press briefing on Monday.
Lawan highlighted overcrowding as a significant challenge, with the number of awaiting trial inmates far exceeding that of convicted inmates. He stated that most of these inmates have been in custody without their cases being resolved by the courts.
He also mentioned that convicted inmates are easier to manage as they participate in various reformatory programs, which may not be available to those awaiting trial. In Kano, 38 convicted inmates have passed the NECO and SSCE and are now seeking admission at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The NCoS is working with NOUN to establish more study centers in custodial centers to accommodate the increased interest in education among inmates. However, a lack of study facilities and materials poses a challenge.
To address overcrowding, the federal government has introduced non-custodial measures such as parole, community service, and probation. Lawan commended some judges for maximizing the use of non-custodial sentencing, and the NCoS remains committed to its mandate of ensuring safe and humane custody, protecting society, and reforming, rehabilitating, and reintegrating offenders.
