The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, in collaboration with the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has graduated 90 inmates from a restorative justice programme.

The programme, known as The Prisoner’s Journey/Sycamore Tree Project (TPJ/STP), was conducted at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kurmawa, Goron Dutse Custodial Centre and Janguza Custodial Centre.

This is contained in a statement issued by the public relations officer of the Kano State Command, CSC Musbahu Lawan, on Monday in Kano.

The statement said the programme was designed to equip inmates with knowledge of restorative justice, personal responsibility, forgiveness, reconciliation and the impact of crime on victims, families and communities.

According to the statement, the programme emphasised the need for inmates to take responsibility for the harm their actions caused and understand the wider effects of crime.

“The training also encouraged participants to seek appropriate ways of repairing such harm as part of the process of successful reintegration into society,” it added.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the chairman of PFN, Kano State Chapter, Pastor Anthony Igweka, urged the inmates to use their period of incarceration as an opportunity for personal transformation and positive change.

Mr Igweka emphasised the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, urging the graduates to put the lessons learnt into practice and become responsible citizens and good ambassadors of their communities after release.

In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf-Lakpene, commended PFN for its continued partnership and support towards the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.

Mr Yusuf-Lakpene, represented by the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kurmawa, DCC Ibrahim Isah-Rambo, said the programme aligned with the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, particularly in promoting the reformation, rehabilitation, education, and moral development of inmates.

He also appreciated the PFN for its partnership and humanitarian support and called for continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders in advancing restorative justice, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes within custodial centres

He congratulated the 90 graduates and urged them to remain committed to responsibility, forgiveness, reconciliation, discipline and positive citizenship.

The statement said certificates were presented to the 90 inmates who completed the programme.

As part of humanitarian support, the PFN also provided food and drinks for the inmates during the programme.

The statement added that the PFN, through its State Coordinators, Roseline Amaefula of STP and Pastor Austin Ojehanon of TPJ, facilitated the release of five inmates under the restorative justice initiative.

(NAN)