Authorities in Edo State have begun the process of granting parole to selected inmates following a review of 13 applications at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Benin.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Aminu Suleman, disclosed that five of the applicants had been shortlisted for interviews to determine their eligibility for conditional release.
The review was conducted under the leadership of retired Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga, who explained that parole decisions were guided by inmates’ behaviour, rehabilitation efforts, and concrete plans for life after prison. “Parole is about second chances, but also about protecting society,” she said.
The board, which includes members from the judiciary, prosecution, correctional authorities, civil society groups, and professional associations such as psychiatry, psychology and social work, will now submit its final recommendations to NCoS Controller General Sylvester Nwakuche.
Suleman stressed that parole is not only for the benefit of inmates but also contributes to community safety and national development.
