Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – More than 50,000 inmates remain in pretrial detention across Nigeria as custodial overcrowding continues to strain government resources, a new Nigerian Correctional Service data show.
The latest figures released on Friday reveal that 27,416 inmates are convicted, while 50,703 others are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) as 2025 ends, highlighting persistent delays in the justice system.
The NCoS says the growing ATP population places a heavy financial burden on the federal government, which spends about ₦1,125 daily to feed each inmate.
In January 2025, Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche reported 48,932 awaiting-trial inmates. By December, the figure rose by nearly 2,000 despite pledges to fast-track prosecutions.
Nwakuche says the service engages the Attorney-General, police authorities, and prosecuting agencies to accelerate trials and decongest custodial centres. Over 50,000 Nigerian Inmates Await Trial as Costs Rise
He also warns personnel against forming relationships with inmates, saying such misconduct undermines reforms and worsens overcrowding.
“Any collusion with inmates will attract severe sanctions,” Nwakuche says.
The figures renew calls for judicial reforms, expanded non-custodial sentencing and improved case management to address prolonged detention.
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