The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, has written to the chief judges of states on the 'urgent' need to decongest Nigerian prisons due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Muhammad, in a circular dated May 15, said "the inmates population at various custodial centres across the country presently stands at about 74,127 out of which 52,226 are Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs)."

"Most of these custodial centres are presently housing inmates beyond their capacities and the overcrowded facilities pose a potent threat to the health of the inmates and the public in general in view of the present circumstances, hence the need for urgent steps to bring the situation under control," he wrote.

He drew the attention of the judges to "the need to take urgent measures towards the speedy trial of cases and decongestion of custodial centres in the country in view of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mr Muhammad said "it has become imperative for Your Lordships to embark on immediate visit to all custodial/correctional centres within your respective States to identify and release deserving inmates, where that has not been done already.