A cross-section of legal experts has called for non-custodial methods of punishment for offenders in Nigeria as an alternative to imprisonment to decongest custodial centers across the country.
The legal practitioners made the call during a forum organized by the Justice Development and Peace Commission in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to the latest statistics from the Nigerian Correctional Service, as of July 2024, the total number of inmates across Nigeria’s custodial centers stands at 82,865.
Notably, a significant 68% of this population, totaling 56,548 inmates, are still awaiting trial.
During a stakeholders forum put together by the JDPC Ibadan, Keynote speaker highlighted the benefits of non-custodial punishment, describing it as a more effective and humane approach to addressing crime in the country.
A total of 1,389 offenders have been convicted to serve community service in Oyo State from July 2017 till now.
As a result, stakeholders present believe that policy reforms, increased funding, and sustained advocacy, like that of JDPC, are the best ways forward.
Emmanuel Idowu, Deputy Chief Registrar, Community Service and Maintenance Adenike Ibitara, JDPC Ibadan.
