THE Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed that 27,416 inmates were convicted across custodial centres nationwide in 2025, while a significantly larger number, 50,703 inmates remain behind bars awaiting the conclusion of their trials.
The figures, contained in the latest statistics released by the NCoS, reviewed and obtained by News Point Nigeria on Saturday, underscore the persistent challenge of overcrowding in Nigeria’s custodial facilities, driven largely by the high population of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
According to the Service, the disproportionate number of inmates awaiting trial continues to exert intense pressure on custodial centres, stretching infrastructure, manpower, and resources beyond capacity. Officials noted that the situation has also placed a growing financial burden on the Federal Government, which is responsible for feeding and maintaining inmates nationwide.
With the NCoS spending an estimated ₦1,125 daily on feeding each inmate, the cost of sustaining more than 50,000 awaiting-trial inmates has significantly increased government expenditure on the correctional system.
The Service said the funds required to cater for inmates whose cases remain unresolved for years could otherwise be deployed to rehabilitation programmes and facility upgrades.
Investigations revealed that many inmates awaiting trial are facing serious criminal charges, including murder, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. Such offences typically involve prolonged investigations, complex prosecutions, and multiple court adjournments, all of which contribute to delays within the justice system.
Earlier in the year, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that 48,932 Awaiting Trial Persons were being held in custodial centres as of January 2025.
At the time, he pledged to intensify engagement with key justice sector stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting authorities, with the aim of accelerating trials and reducing congestion.
Despite those assurances, the latest data indicate that the number of awaiting-trial inmates has risen further, climbing to 50,703 by December 2025, highlighting the slow pace of reform within the criminal justice system.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline and improve conditions within custodial centres, Nwakuche recently issued a stern warning to correctional personnel against colluding or forming inappropriate relationships with inmates.
He cautioned that such misconduct undermines institutional reforms and exacerbates challenges such as delayed trials and security breaches.
The Controller-General stressed that any officer found engaging in collusion with inmates would face severe sanctions, noting that integrity among personnel is critical to restoring public confidence in the correctional system.
