By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Nigeria has recorded its first-ever parole release under the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Act, 2019, following the successful release of 10 inmates in Abia State in what officials described as a historic milestone in the nation’s correctional system.
The landmark event took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Umuahia, where the Nigerian Correctional Service formally released the parolees under the parole framework established by the 2019 Act. The development marks the first practical implementation of the parole system in Nigeria and signals a new phase in correctional reforms focused on rehabilitation, reintegration, restorative justice, and decongestion of custodial facilities.
Representing the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Zonal Coordinator and Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Ngozi Okeke, described the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s correctional history.
According to the Controller-General, parole is a globally accepted correctional mechanism that allows carefully selected inmates to gradually return to society under supervision while ensuring public safety and accountability. He said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to modern correctional practices that balance justice with rehabilitation.
He noted that the commencement of parole administration is expected to reduce recidivism, strengthen offender rehabilitation, support community reintegration, and ease overcrowding in custodial centres nationwide.
The Controller-General commended the Abia State Command for pioneering the programme and setting a benchmark for other commands across the country. He also praised the Abia State Parole Board, the Judiciary, and other criminal justice stakeholders for their collaboration in making the initiative a success.
Special recognition was given to Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the International IDEA Programme, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), and other non-governmental organisations for their sustained support toward correctional reforms and offender reintegration.
In her welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, Abia State Command, Nwanyanwu Blessing Ifeoma, described the event as a practical demonstration of the Service’s commitment to rehabilitation-focused corrections and thanked stakeholders for their contributions to the successful rollout of the parole process.
Chairman of the Abia State Parole Board, Justice Obisike Oji, emphasized that parole is neither a pardon nor an act of clemency but a structured correctional measure designed to facilitate the supervised reintegration of deserving inmates into society.
He urged beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and become productive members of their communities.
Stakeholders across the justice sector applauded the initiative. President of PRAWA, Professor Uju Agomoh, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service for operationalising one of the most significant provisions of the NCoS Act, 2019. Representatives of the Judiciary, security agencies, civil society groups, and development partners also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting correctional reforms.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal release of the 10 parolees drawn from the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Aba and Umuahia, as well as the Custodial Centre in Arochukwu.
To support their transition back into society, the parolees received empowerment packages, including sewing machines, vocational tools, and other livelihood support items through partnerships involving PRAWA, IDEA, and ROLAC. Financial assistance was also provided to aid transportation and resettlement.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the parolees expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Parole Board, and partner organisations for offering them a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
The Controller-General used the occasion to call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, employers, civil society organisations, and members of the public to support the reintegration of parolees and ex-offenders. He stressed that successful reintegration is a collective responsibility essential to reducing reoffending and enhancing public safety.
In a statement by JN. Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, for the Controller-General of Corrections,
The ceremony was attended by members of the Parole Board, judicial officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and members of the public.
With the successful implementation of parole in Abia State, Nigeria has taken a significant step toward a more humane, rehabilitation-driven, and community-focused correctional system, setting the stage for wider adoption of parole across the country.
