By Ibironke Ariyo
The Non-Custodial Directorate, Nigerian Correctional Service,(NCoS), FCT Command, has taken its advocacy and awareness program to the Gosa community in Abuja.
During the sensitization held on Thursday in Abuja, the Controller of NCoS, FCT, Mr. Ibrahim Usman, highlighted the benefits of non-incarceration for the immediate community.
Usman was represented by the Head of Non-Correctional Services, Abuja Municipal Council (AMAC) Superintendent of Correctional Services (SC), Mrs. Grace Okpor.
The NCoS controller said it was necessary for all community stakeholders to participate in the activities of correctional facilities.
He said the campaign was organized to increase awareness and effective implementation of correctional measures enshrined in the Nigerian Correctional Services Act, 2019.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held at the Gosa Community Village Chief’s Palace in Abuja and that all major stakeholders were fully represented.
NAN reports that the program was organized to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that all relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, are kept abreast of the changes introduced by the new law.
He highlighted that the program aimed to raise awareness about the NCoS Act, 2019, which was enacted to reform and reposition the NCoS for effective service delivery.
“The new law. Introduce significant changes in the management of the criminal justice system in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the introduction of the non-prison department and the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders.
“However, we discovered that many stakeholders, including some security agencies, are still unaware of the provisions of the new law.
» Incarceration without parole is an alternative to incarceration that includes community service, probation, parole, restorative justice, and any other punishment that may be imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“This means that misdemeanors or misdemeanors do not have to be sent to detention centers, but are handled within the community.”
“When a criminal who commits a minor crime is sentenced to prison in their community, it is compensation and also serves as a second chance and a deterrent for other members of the community,” he explained.
He said without the swift passage of the law in 2019, violations of COVID-19 protocols would have overwhelmed the FCT’s already overcrowded detention centers.
He said the community was chosen because of its strategic nature in outreach, expressing hope for a crime-free community in Abuja.
In his remarks, Gosa Village Headman Micah Wakili commended the non-custodial service for deeming his community worthy of such outreach.
Wakili described it as an eye-opener for members of the community.
“This discovery is timely and an eye-opener for us as many of us were unaware of the existence of such regulation.
“I believe with this knowledge, we will educate our people and we are ready to work with you to create a safe society.”
In her goodwill message, Ms. Mina Horsfall, Senior Assistant to the AMAC President on Development Partners and ICT, commended the NCoS for the successful implementation of the non-custodial service in the FCT.
Horsfall said the service had eased the food burden on the government.
He called on members of the Gosa community to support non-police officers and all uniformed organizations in discharging their mandate for the benefit of the community.
Representatives from various security organizations were present; Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), NSCDC and other community leaders
The program included presentations by criminal justice experts and stakeholders, as well as interactive sessions to address questions and concerns.
