The Edo State Parole Board has concluded hearings on 13 applications submitted by inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Benin City.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Edo, Aminu Suleman, five of the inmates have been shortlisted for direct interviews to further assess their eligibility for release.
The session, chaired by retired Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga, followed an initial hearing held last week. The review process considered inmates’ conduct while in custody, evidence of rehabilitation, productivity, and concrete plans for reintegration into society.
“This process is about giving a second chance while ensuring public safety. Our responsibility is to balance justice with rehabilitation in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019,” Justice Edodo-Eruaga said.
Suleman added that the board’s final recommendations will be forwarded to the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, for further action.
He explained that parole extends beyond the immediate benefit to inmates, contributing to community safety and national development.
Other members of the board include representatives from the correctional service, the Director of Public Prosecutions, PRAWA, the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, the Nigerian Psychological Association, the Association of Medical Social Workers, and the Edo Civil Society Organisation (EdoCSO).