National Correctional Service reveals 3,298 inmates are on death row
The Nigerian Correctional Service has revealed that no fewer than 3,298 inmates are on death row.
The Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abubakar Umar, disclosed the Information to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja, however, said the term “condemned criminal” had been abrogated.
With the emergence of the NCoS Act 2019 which made the prisons correctional centres, the term “condemned criminal” was abrogated as it is stigmatizing, he explained.
He further said that the service preferred to use a more friendly term of ‘Inmates on Death Row,’ and pointed out that death sentences were not always carried out immediately they were imposed.
“There are often long periods of uncertainty for the convicted while their cases are being appealed at higher levels.
“Some offenders have been executed more than 15 years after their convictions.
Some of them, who do well and show some glimpse of hard work, industry and discipline, are recommended for clemency to the relevant authorities,” he said.
