<![CDATA[This study examines gender disparities, conviction patterns, and judicial inefficiencies in Nigeria’s correctional system using 2025 data from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), encompassing 81,200 inmates. Employing a Chi-square Goodness-of-Fit Test, the analysis revealed a stark gender imbalance, with males constituting 97% of inmates versus 50.1% in the general population (χ² = 72,950, p < 0.001), reflecting systemic biases in policing and prosecution. A Chi-square Test of Independence demonstrated a significant association between gender and conviction status (χ² = 62.4, p < 0.001), with 33.7% of males convicted compared to 23.3% of females, while 76.7% of females languished in pre-trial detention. A One-Sample Proportion Test further showed Nigeria’s conviction rate (33%) to be significantly lower than the historical benchmark of 35% (z = -12.5, p < 0.001), highlighting judicial delays and inefficiencies. These findings underscore systemic failures in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, including over-policing of men, prolonged pre-trial detention of women, and chronic case backlogs. The study concludes with urgent recommendations for gender-sensitive reforms, digitized court processes, and alternative sentencing to align practices with human rights standards and reduce overcrowding.]]>
