TheCable

Adewale Adebisi, comptroller of corrections, Lagos state command, says 6,800 inmates are awaiting trial in the five correctional facilities in the state.

Adebisi said the five correctional facilities — Ikoyi, Kirikiri (female), Kirikiri (medium), Kirikiri (maximum) and Badagry correctional centres — house a total of 8,000 inmates.

Speaking during a plea bargain session at the Kirikiri maximum correctional centre on Thursday, he noted that some inmates have been standing trial for close to 12 years.

He blamed the high rate of migration into the state for the congestion of the correctional facilities, which he said has led to an increase in criminal activities.

The comptroller commended Moyosore Onigbanjo, attorney-general of Lagos state who organised the plea bargain session, for working towards decongesting the correctional facilities.

“In Lagos, we have a total of 8,000 incarcerated inmates in the correctional facilities, out of which a total of 6,800 inmates are awaiting trial,” NAN quoted Adebisi as saying.

“Some of these awaiting trial inmates have been standing trial in the courts for long. We have some who have been on trial for between 10 and 12 years.

“I thank the attorney-general for taking this bold step. The plea bargain sessions will help to awaken self-consciousness of inmates and make them admit to crimes they committed and repent.

“It will also help us decongest the custodial centres and help us to reduce crime rate in the state.”

As at June 15, 2021, a total of 65,688 inmates — 16,549 convicted and 49,139 awaiting trial — are said to be held in correctional centres across the country.

The development means that 75 percent of inmates in correctional facilities nationwide are currently awaiting trial.