The executive director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, Thursday, said Nigerians needed to be educated and enlightened on the parole system being practiced by criminal justice system in the country so that the right procedures are always followed.
Mr Peter, who was represented by the programme officer of the foundation, Mr Nnamdi Odo, stated this at a two-day workshop organised by CLEEN at the Haitel Hotel, Dutse, the Jigawa state capital.
The participants were drawn from the judiciary, the police, Correctional Service, and the Civil Society Organisations as well as the media.
“Parole is a critical component of our justice system, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into society as law-abiding citizens.
“Over the two days, we will delve into various aspects of parole, including its legislative underpinnings, procedural challenges, and the role of the different stakeholders in its administration.
“We will also examine best practices from other jurisdictions, which can serve as benchmark for improving our own system,” he stated.
A participant, an officer from the Correctional Services, Mr Sani Jahun, said parole is always given to an inmate who has already served more than half of his/her jail term.
He said Parole is also given to an inmate with good character, or an inmate that has something to serve to the society as well as an inmate who cannot go out there and cause another problem in the society.