The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Katsina State command, has launched the Katsina State Parole Board to strengthen non-custodial measures and facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of eligible offenders.

The operational launch and stakeholders’ engagement were held on Thursday in Katsina.

The Controller of Corrections in the state, Abdulrasheed Sule, described the launch as a significant milestone in advancing non-custodial service delivery in the state.

Mr Sule explained that parole provided an opportunity for eligible inmates who had demonstrated genuine reformation and readiness for reintegration to serve the remainder of their sentences under specified conditions and supervision.

He stressed the need for sustained collaboration among the NCoS, Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force and other justice-sector stakeholders for effective implementation of the parole system.

The controller urged members of the board and other stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, fairness and strict adherence to the law, while making public safety a priority.

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Ali Umar-Fage, commended the NCoS for the initiative.

Mr Umar-Fage was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Lawal Adamu-Shinkafi, who commended the initiative.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the police to collaborate with the NCoS and other stakeholders to ensure public safety and effective reintegration of parolees.

The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to supporting correctional reforms and strengthening collaboration among justice-sector institutions.

Mr Danladi underscored the importance of rehabilitation and responsible reintegration of offenders in promoting an effective justice administration system.

The Chairman of the State Parole Board, Justice Amiru Sanusi (retd), assured that the board would discharge its mandate in accordance with the law and established guidelines.

Mr Sanusi was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaimau Abdullahi-Coomassie.

He appreciated the NCoS and other stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening non-custodial measures in the state.

The engagement and operational launch were held in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which provides for rehabilitation, reintegration and administration of non-custodial measures. 

(NAN)