A total of 486 inmates have been convicted to non-custodial services in 2023, The PUNCH learnt.
The figure, which was obtained by our correspondent on Friday, was published on the official website of the Nigerian Correctional Services and titled, ‘Summary of Inmate Population Convicted to Non-Custodial Measures as of November 27, 2023.’
A breakdown of the inmates showed that 440 males and 46 females were convicted.
Further analysis of the document revealed that 319 inmates were convicted to community service; none to parole; 36 to probation; 85 to restorative justice; and 46 inmates to other non-custodial measures.
Recall that the introduction of the non-custodial component into the operations of the Nigeria Correctional Services was perhaps the most phenomenal breakthrough of the NCoS Act, 2019.
Speaking on non-custodial centres, the NCoS Spokesperson, FCT Command, Adamu Duza said, “The non-custodial measures is a major game changer in the business of corrections, as it not only an alternative to imprisonment but a means of decongesting our custodial centres, saving cost for the government, providing free service to the community and also a revenue generator.
“However, the challenge is public cooperation with the non-custodial service. The public stigmatizes the offenders, not minding the reformatory processes they have passed through.”
Duza called on all government agencies, community leaders, and religious leaders, among others, to support the non-custodial service measure of the NCoS.
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