......moves to fast track speedy prosecution of 48, 932 awaiting trial inmates
The Federal Government has increased the daily feeding allowance of inmates in its custodial centres from N750 to N1,125.
It was gathered that when taxes, cost of gas and profits for the food vendors were taken from the N750 daily allowance, the actual amount used for feeding an inmate in a day was less than N500 for a three square meal.
However, speaking during his maiden meeting with senior officers from the rank of Controllers of Correction, the Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, promised to continue to press for improved rate in line with the times.
He said; "You will agree with me that inmates’ feeding rate has been graciously increased by Mr. President from N750 to N1,125 per inmate per day. While it is not yet ‘uhuru’, I will continue to press for improved rate".
According to Nwakuche, monitoring teams from the National Headquarters have been sent out to monitor inmates’ feeding, urging the senior officers to cooperate with them and see it as a national assignment.
Noting that the Service exists to serve the inmates, he said their welfare will be a top priority.
"Our efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates will also involve expanding classrooms, upscaling vocational skills centres, and fostering Public-Private Partnerships to guarantee sustainability.
"Let me also reiterate here that the management of vulnerable persons in Custodial Centres – persons like pregnant women, babies, nursing mothers, physically challenged etc will be favourably taken care of", he added.
He also disclosed his resolve to fast track the speedy prosecution of 48, 932 awaiting trial inmates as part of measures to decongest custodial facilities.
"At present, our statistics as of Monday 6th January, 2025 showed that 48, 932 inmates in custody are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
"I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other Prosecuting Agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates especially those on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder and others that constitute over 60% of Awaiting Trial Persons ATPs.
"Meanwhile, I want to urge you to relate with your State Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, Commissioners of Police to further address the challenges", he stated.
He said overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS, and that while engaging State Chief Executives to expedite the trial of the over 90% state offenders in custody, the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms will be taken up with the judiciary.
Nwakuche added that his administration will explore the window of opportunities as provided by the Non-Custodial Measures to address the influx of inmates into her facilities.
"I implore you to reach out to the State Chief Judges, Attorneys-General of your States and other stakeholders to cash in on this; some of them needs to be educated on this", he stated.
Nwakuche how are read the Riot Act to the officers, saying issues of escapes, riots and attacks that most often than not are results of indolence should never be allowed to repeat itself.
"The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Take this message to staff under you.
"You are hereby directed to resume immediately and take seriously your quarterly inspection of Custodial Facilities under your Commands and Command Offices under your Zones. Weekly searches should not be compromised while weak structures and other matters that require urgent attention should be highlighted in such reports", he charged.
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