The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has released 10 inmates on parole from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Jane Osuji, the development marked the first of its kind in the country following the implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

Osuji said in a statement that the event marked the first practical application of the parole system in Nigeria and represents a significant advancement in the Service’s ongoing correctional reforms to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, restorative justice, and custodial decongestion.

She said the Controller General of Corrections, CGC Sylvester Nwakuche, was represented at the ceremony by the Zonal Coordinator and Assistant Controller General of Corrections, ACG Ngozi Okeke.

Nwakuche described the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s correctional history and a major step towards the full implementation of the transformative provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

The Controller General noted that parole is a globally recognised correctional mechanism that enables carefully selected and deserving inmates to gradually reintegrate into society under supervision while maintaining public safety and accountability.

He emphasised that the successful implementation of parole demonstrates the Service’s commitment to balancing justice with rehabilitation and reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt modern and progressive correctional practices.

According to the Controller General, the commencement of parole administration in Nigeria is expected to contribute significantly to reducing recidivism, enhancing offender rehabilitation, strengthening community reintegration, and decongesting custodial facilities across the country.

The CGC commended the Abia State Command for pioneering the implementation of the parole system and positioning the State as a model for other Commands.

He further expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Abia State Parole Board, the Judiciary, and all criminal justice stakeholders whose commitment and collaboration made the successful implementation possible.

The Controller General also specially acknowledged the invaluable support of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the International IDEA Programme, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), and other NGOs, whose partnership and sustained advocacy have contributed immensely to the advancement of correctional reforms and offender reintegration initiatives in Nigeria.

The Controller of Corrections, Abia State Command, CC Nwanyanwu Blessing Ifeoma, described the event as a practical demonstration of the Service’s commitment to rehabilitation-focused corrections and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful implementation of the parole process.

The Chairman of the Abia State Parole Board, Hon. Justice Obisike Oji, explained that parole is not an act of pardon or clemency but a structured correctional measure designed to facilitate the supervised reintegration of deserving inmates into society. He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and make productive contributions to their communities. (The Nation)

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