The FCT Parole Board has commenced formal proceedings with a pledge to fast-track the review and lawful release of inmates who meet the conditions for parole, as part of renewed efforts to decongest custodial centres in the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairman of the Board, Hon. Justice A.M.A. Sadeeq (Rtd), former President of the Court of Appeal, gave the assurance at the maiden meeting of the Committee held at the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command Headquarters, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Justice Sadeeq said the Board would handle all eligible cases fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay, while ensuring strict compliance with the law and safeguarding public safety.
He assured stakeholders that every inmate who meets the statutory requirements for parole would receive prompt and proper consideration.
The meeting brought together senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, members of the Parole Board and representatives of civil society organisations.
Welcoming the Chairman, the Deputy Controller General covering duties for Non-Custodial Services, ACG IN Idris, commended Justice Sadeeq for accepting to serve and called for stronger stakeholder support for the Non-Custodial arm of the Service.
DCG Idris noted that the Non-Custodial directorate, which is still relatively young, plays a critical role in reducing pressure on custodial facilities through the rehabilitation, supervision and reintegration of offenders into society.
He urged members of the Board and partner organisations to support the Service in strengthening non-custodial alternatives and expanding opportunities for the successful reintegration of offenders.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, CC Christopher Peter Jen, also briefed the Board on the inmate population across custodial centres in the Command and stressed the urgent need for measures to reduce overcrowding.
CC Jen appealed to the Board to give timely consideration to deserving inmates, noting that an effective parole system would significantly complement ongoing decongestion efforts.
Responding, Justice Sadeeq reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to justice, diligence and transparency.
He said the Committee would discharge its mandate in accordance with the law and ensure that qualified inmates are not kept in custody longer than necessary once they have satisfied the conditions for parole.
Representatives of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, (PRAWA), including Programme Assistant, Miss Justina Laman, and Communications Officer, Mr. Nnadoeze Onwura, also attended the meeting.
As part of activities marking the visit, the Controller of Corrections presented the Parole Board Chairman with items produced by inmates of the FCT Command, highlighting ongoing vocational training, skills acquisition and reformatory programmes within the custodial centres.
The maiden sitting is expected to usher in regular parole reviews in the FCT and strengthen the implementation of non-custodial measures provided under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
The development also represents a major boost to efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service to decongest custodial facilities, promote rehabilitation and facilitate the safe reintegration of eligible offenders into society.