By Rakiya A.Muhammad
Stakeholders, in a unified voice, have called for the implementation of the parole mechanism, recognising its potential to alleviate the congestion in the correctional centres.
At a two-day performance appraisal workshop on the legal framework and administration of criminal justice law in Nigeria, held in Sokoto, they highlighted other advantages of the parole system, including lower taxpayer costs and reduced government expenses.
The CLEEN Foundation organised the programme with support from the Mac Arthur Foundation. The workshop explored various aspects of parole, including its legislative underpinnings, procedural challenges, and the crucial role of different stakeholders in its administration.
Dr. Gabriel Akinremi represented Mr. Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, who said, “Parole is a critical component of our justice system, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into society as law-abiding citizens.”
For the Executive Director, parole reflects a balance between punitive measures and the need for rehabilitation, recognising that the potential for reform and positive change exists within every individual.
However, he emphasized the importance of a strong legal framework and efficient administration to help parole achieve its goals.
“The administration of justice is the foundation of any society that upholds the rule of law, and our collective efforts are critical to ensuring that this foundation remains strong and effective,” he asserted.
“CLEEN Foundation, a leading organisation in the justice sector, is particularly convinced that stakeholders should come together to discuss the need to depoliticize the parole process and standardise the criteria for the selection of inmates.”
Aklahem Shettima, the State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council Sokoto, elucidated on the concept of parole, defining it as conditional release that allows prisoners to complete their remaining prison term outside a correctional facility.
“Before this workshop, this section had been lying fallow without anyone talking about it or doing anything,” he noted.
“But with this, they’ve come to raise awareness about the need to implement this part of the law. For example, Section 267 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019 of Sokoto State provides for parole.”
He said implementing parole would support other efforts to decongest prisons.
“The president of Nigeria and the state governors already exercise the prerogative of mercy, so this has just come to complement the role of the other measures to ensure decongestion,” highlighted Mr. Peter.
“Implementation of parole is going to have a significant impact on decongesting the prison because the law provides for people who have served 15 years and up to life imprisonment to be considered for parole.”
The Legal Aid Coordinator appealed to the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, the Controller of Correctional Service, the Attorney General of Sokoto State, and all other relevant parties to ensure the granting of parole to those languishing in prison and who deserve this noncustodial measure.
Olaniyi Olumayowa, researcher and strategy development officer for CLEEN Foundation, said they noticed the parole system had not been working.
“Data has shown that nobody has benefited from the parole, so we feel it’s important for us to engage with the people on the ground to understand why we have this gap,” he disclosed.
“From the conversations we have had for the past few days, we have seen that even here in Sokoto State, the Parole Board has not been set up; we saw that the ACJL, which operates in Sokoto State, did not necessitate the creation of the board.”
The Parole Board is responsible for reviewing and making decisions on parole applications, ensuring a fair and just process.
The strategy development expert emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the various modes of non-custodian measures, particularly the parole system, and encouraging stakeholders to ensure their implementation.
“We believe these measures are there so that we can use the best that we have, not that we are condemning people to obscurity when sent to correctional centres,” he pointed out.
“Corrections should serve as a means of rehabilitating an individual; they undergo reformation and, upon their release, can effortlessly reintegrate into their community.”
Barrister Shafa’u Ahmed , who represents the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Sokoto, also emphasized the need to implement parole in the state.
She lauded the workshop organisers for providing the opportunity to have critical conversations on parole.
“It has been very effective. We have developed a plan to help us implement the parole system in Sokoto.”
Rabiu Bello Gandi of Save the Child Initiative (STCI) acknowledged the program’s impact and noted its potential to assist in redressing the situation. He also stated that the programme has provided insight into enhancing their efforts and advocating for greater justice for the accused.
“There are many people who do not even know why they are at the correctional centre,” Gandi stated. “If the parole system is in place, it will identify them, determine their issues, and assist them in leaving the correctional centres.”
He added, “We are interested in more of such engagements, as they will equip us to engage more stakeholders in ensuring appropriate measures to enhance people’s living standards.”
Parole provides hope and a potential pathway to liberation for individuals who are currently incarcerated, according to other speakers at the engagement.
They recognize that each stakeholder has a role to play in the process, and that their active involvement is essential to ensuring the effectiveness and benefit of the parole system for all.
