TheCable

The Kano command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says 70 percent of inmates in the state are awaiting trial.

During a briefing with journalists on Monday, Musbahu Lawan, spokesperson of the NCoS in Kano, said overcrowding at the correctional facilities is a huge challenge.

He said the number of awaiting trial inmates has tripled when juxtaposed with convicted inmates.

“Statistics show that only 30 percent of inmates are convicted in the correctional service, while inmates awaiting trial constitute 70 percent of the total number of inmates in the state,” he said.

“Most of the inmates awaiting trial have stayed in custody with their cases yet to be determined by the courts.

“Our laws give us the power to transfer convicted inmates to any facility in the country, so if the inmates awaiting trial are eventually convicted, there won’t be congestion.”

He added that 38 convicted inmates in the state sat for exams and passed, and are now seeking admission into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“Most of the convicted inmates also benefit from the educational programmes in the custodial centres,” Lawan added.

“In Kano, 38 convicted inmates sat for and passed the NECO, SSCE and are now seeking for admission at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“Due to increased interest of the inmates to study, the service is working with NOUN to establish more study centres in the custodial centres in the state.”

The spokesperson said lack of study facilities like computers is a challenge, adding that the NCoS will “continue to pursue its mandate of keeping safe and humane custody of the legally interned, while protecting the society by reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders”.