The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) disclosed on Tuesday that a total of 25,679 individuals were sentenced to non-custodial services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the span of five years.
The implementation of the non-custodial component within the operations of the NCoS marked a significant development following the enactment of the NCoS Act, 2019. This legislation established the Nigerian non-custodial service, granting it functions, regulatory powers, and the authority to implement measures such as parole, probation, community service, restorative justice, and other non-custodial approaches.
The non-custodial service directorate operates across the six Area Councils of the FCT, executing various measures as prescribed by competent courts.
Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the FCT Command of NCoS, revealed, “The total number of offenders sentenced to non-custodial services from 2019 until now is 25,679.”
Duza highlighted the crucial role played by the non-custodial service during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, citing the supervision of over 21,000 offenders in the FCT alone. He emphasized the potential consequences of sending such large numbers to correctional facilities, including overcrowding and health hazards.
However, Duza expressed concern about the lack of cooperation with the non-custodial service, citing public stigmatization of offenders despite their completion of reformatory programs.
He called upon government agencies, community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to provide support to the non-custodial service of the NCoS, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigeria.
