In the year 2023, the Nigeria Correctional Service reports that there were no instances of executing inmates on death row within their custodial centers.
As of April 15, 2024, there are a total of 3,504 inmates awaiting execution, with 73 being females and 3,431 males, as disclosed by NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar on Friday.
Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola had previously urged state governors on July 24, 2021, to authorize the death warrants of inmates to help reduce the overcrowding in correctional facilities nationwide.
Furthermore, in December 2023, NCoS reported having 3,413 inmates awaiting execution across their facilities in the country.
However, Umar mentioned on Friday, “The most recent execution took place in 2016 in Edo State by former governor Adam Oshiomole.”
He emphasized that despite no executions in the past year, the option remains available within the criminal justice system, pending the signing of death warrants by the executive branch.
Umar stated, “The execution of death sentences is a subject of international debate that is currently prominent. Due to advocacy from human rights groups and civil society organizations, there is currently a moratorium on executing death sentences in Nigeria. Various human rights groups are advocating for the abolishment of the death penalty globally, and Nigeria is no exception.
“No inmates on death row have been executed in the past year. Nonetheless, the legal provision for executing death sentences still exists within our criminal justice framework. The executive authority must authorize their death warrants before any executions can be carried out, and this has not been happening recently.
“As of April 15, 2024, we have a total of 3,504 individuals across our facilities nationwide, including 73 females and 3,431 males,” he elaborated.
He highlighted that rehabilitation and reformatory programs are provided to these inmates, encompassing skill development and educational opportunities.
He added, “Just this past Saturday, a significant number of them graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Some inmates eventually reform and exhibit positive behavior, becoming productive and well-adjusted individuals. Those falling into this category are recommended by us for clemency or pardon.”