Fresh figures released by the Nigerian Correctional Service, and obtained by Chronicles Reporters, reveal that a staggering 66 percent of Nigeria’s total prison population are inmates yet to be tried in court, as of July 14.
According to the official data, there are 81,950 inmates in various custodial centres nationwide. Out of this number, only 28,155 individuals have been convicted, while a much larger figure — 53,795 — remain awaiting trial.
A closer breakdown of the figures shows that of those awaiting trial, 52,378 are men and 1,417 are women.
This troubling statistic sheds light on the growing concerns over the high number of Nigerians being held in correctional centres without a judicial verdict, raising serious questions about the efficiency and fairness of the country’s justice system.
Chronicles Reporters had earlier brought to public attention the harrowing case of Gospel Nwibari, a 32-year-old man who spent 18 years behind bars without ever facing trial.
Nwibari was arrested at the age of 14 and remained in detention into adulthood without any formal charges. His prolonged detention became a painful example of justice denied until his eventual release.
The day he finally regained his freedom brought immense relief to his family. His brother, Paul Kinani, had long believed Gospel was dead.
“I thought we had lost him forever. We searched for him everywhere. Getting that phone call from Haven360 Foundation was nothing short of a miracle,” Kinani said, choking back emotion.
Sadly, Nwibari’s case is not isolated.
Another report by Chronicles Reporters detailed the continued detention of a former community leader and school proprietor, Momoh Abubakar Otuhuo, along with three others. The men have reportedly been held since 2022 after what sources described as a fallout with a former local government chairman.
A source familiar with the matter said the former chairman allegedly petitioned the authorities, which led to the arrest of Otuhuo and Idris Abdul Malik by the Department of State Services (DSS). They have remained in DSS custody since then without trial or access to their families.
Similarly, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Nigerian Army, the State Security Services (SSS), and the Attorney General’s office over the prolonged detention of youth activist Ntari Danladi, who has now spent four years behind bars without trial.
Danladi, a former National President of the Mumuye Youths, was arrested at the Mumuye Cultural Development Association’s youth office located at Mile 6 in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Although the committee scheduled a hearing for July 16, it has now been moved to July 31 following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Danladi’s lawyer, Pius Danba Pius, confirmed the rescheduling.
The House Committee emphasized that all parties involved must take note of Sections 88 and 89(C) of the amended Constitution.
With calls mounting for an overhaul of the nation’s criminal justice system, the reality remains grim: thousands of Nigerians continue to be held in custody for years, without trial or conviction.
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