The number of awaiting trial inmates across custodial facilities in the country has exceeded 53,000,  PUNCH can report.

Findings revealed that as of June 2025, a total of 53,178 individuals remained in custody awaiting trial, a significant jump from 48,900 recorded in January.

The current total number of inmates, according to the Nigeria Correctional Service, is 80,879.

Of the figure, data from the NCoS confirmed that 53,178 individuals were awaiting trial inmates, while 27,701 had been convicted.

This is despite promises by the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, who in January vowed to streamline the justice process and ease the pressure on custodial facilities.

However, rather than declining, the numbers have climbed steadily.

In February, the number of awaiting trial inmates rose to 52,771, followed by 53,254 in March. 

While a marginal drop to 52,937 was recorded in April, the figure surged again in June.

However, NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, told Sunday PUNCH that the service would tackle the challenges.

According to Umar, the Controller-General will actively engage with key stakeholders across the criminal justice chain to address the matter.

Umar also explained that the service would strategically collaborate with law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial bodies to promote the adoption of non-custodial measures aimed at reducing the number of inmates entering correctional facilities.

“The Service is emphasising the need for collaboration with investigating, prosecutorial and judicial authorities to encourage the use of non-custodial measures, such as parole, probation and community service, to reduce the influx of inmates into custodial centres,” Umar said.