Ten prisoners were released by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) under the terms of the parole system, which is the first instance of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019 being used.
The Medium Security Custodial Center in Umuahia, Abia State, was the location of the release.
The development, according to Zonal Coordinator and Assistant Controller-General of Corrections Ngozi Okeke, who spoke at the occasion on behalf of Controller-General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, is a significant step in the country’s implementation of the correctional law and reforms.
Okeke explained that the introduction of parole, which permits certain prisoners to serve a portion of their sentences under community supervision, is a step toward bringing Nigeria’s penal system into compliance with international norms.
Nwakuche claims that the goal of parole is to promote organised reintegration while upholding responsibility and public safety.
According to him, the system’s implementation is anticipated to help lower recidivism, relieve jail facility congestion, and enhance offenders’ rehabilitation outcomes.
Along with the Abia State Parole Board, the judiciary, and other participants in the process, Nwakuche praised the Abia State Command for what he called its innovative role in carrying out the program.
He also thanked the International IDEA Programme, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), and other development partners.
Nwanyanwu Blessing Ifeoma, the Controller of Corrections at Abia State Command, expressed gratitude for the participation of parole process stakeholders and stated that the exercise represents a move toward rehabilitation-focused corrections.
Justice Obisike Oji, the chairman of the Abia State Parole Board, clarified that parole is a supervised release system intended to facilitate reintegration rather than a pardon or mercy.
He advised the recipients to abide by the terms of their release and refrain from actions that would result in their being taken back into custody.
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