Criminal justice: Conference participants urge expansion of non-custodial measures
Participants at a prison and hospital ministry conference have called for expanded use of non-custodial measures in criminal justice administration to reduce congestion in correctional centres.
The participants listed the measures to include parole, probation and community service.
The participants took part in the Seventh International Conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Prison and Hospital Ministry (PHM) on Friday.
They made the call in a communique they issues at the end of the conference which took place at the Redemption City on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The conference had the theme: “A Brand-New Beginning”.
The commuique was read by Mr Bukunola Da Silva, National Secretary of the RCCG PHM.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS, including an Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Mr Olatunbosun Ajibogun, were at the event also attended by participants from Kwara, Osun, Oyo, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory.
The participants also called for improved funding for correctional services.
“Government should improve funding for correctional services, particularly in the areas of feeding, healthcare, infrastructure and rehabilitation programmes.
“The judiciary should ensure speedy trials and compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to reduce prolonged pre-trial detention,” they urged.
The participants appealed to faith-based organisations to strengthen collaboration with the NCoS through legal aid support, medical outreaches, welfare programmes, and reintegration initiatives.
“Greater emphasis should be placed on post-release reintegration programmes to reduce recidivism and promote societal acceptance of ex-offenders.”
They called for intensified public sensitisation about the need to accept ex-inmates to reduce stigma against them and promote restorative justice.
“Members of the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry should remain committed to holy living, be filled with the Holy Spirit, grounded in the Word of God and equipped for effective ministry among inmates and patients.”
They emphasised the need for continuous spiritual transformation and counselling of inmates and patients as well as welfare interventions in correctional centres and hospitals.
They also urged expansion of vocational training and empowerment programmes as well as advocacy for reforms within the justice system.
“The theme of the conference is a call to action for systemic reform, compassion and collective responsibility.
“Sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s correctional and healthcare systems requires collaboration among government institutions, the judiciary, faith-based organisations and the society at large.”