The Nigerian Correctional Service has recorded a total of 3,833 inmates on death row across custodial centres in the country, out of a national inmate population of 81,558.

Deputy controller Abubakar Umar disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Umar, citing current NCoS statistics, said the five states with the highest numbers of inmates sentenced to death are Ogun (highest), followed by Rivers, Enugu, Lagos, and Delta. He also said that Osun, Ebonyi, Oyo, Kogi, and Anambra recorded the lowest figures in the same category.

He added that Ogun topped the list with 568 death row inmates, followed by Rivers with 504, Enugu with 328, Lagos with 314, and Delta with 256. Osun currently has no death row inmates, while Ebonyi and Oyo have two each. Meanwhile, Kogi has three, and Anambra has four.

He explained that the disparities may be linked to varying crime rates, judicial processes, and the administrative actions of state governments, particularly the signing of death warrants or approval of clemency requests.

The corrections service spokesman highlighted that the management of inmates on death row presents serious challenges, especially in terms of congestion and financial pressure on the federal government.

Mr Umar, however, said, “As of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, death row inmates are 3,833 nationwide, which makes up about five per cent of the entire prison population. Out of this number, 3,754 are males, while 79 are females.

“Also, out of the entire inmate population, 24,252 inmates are convicted nationwide, which is 29 per cent. Out of this number, 23,725 are male, while 457 are female. Those awaiting trials nationwide amount to 53,473 inmates, which comprise 52,066 males and 1,407 females. This is about 66 per cent.

“This brings the total to 81,558 inmates in custody across the various custodial centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

Speaking about the number of hangmen the service has, Umar declined to comment, saying that many state governments have set up prerogatives of mercy committees to review convicted cases occasionally.

He stated that many inmates on death row were benefiting from such exercises and were making meaningful contributions to society. 

He, however, appealed that the public know that the NCoS was functionally engaging inmates on death row through educational programmes and vocational training.

“The service doesn’t allow them to wallow endlessly under the toga of death sentence,” he maintained. 

(NAN)