From Staff Writer
The Chairman of the Edo State Parole Board, Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (rtd), has called on inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Benin to embrace honesty and good conduct as they seek reintegration into society through the newly introduced Parole scheme.
During a sensitisation visit to the facility, Justice Edodo-Eruaga cautioned inmates not to abuse the opportunity presented by both divine mercy and government policy by providing misleading information to the Board in an attempt to secure Parole.
“Parole is a second chance granted by God and the government. It must not be taken for granted,” she warned. “Any attempt to deceive the Board with false claims will come with consequences. This process demands complete honesty and consistent good behaviour.”
The retired Justice explained that while Parole is a long-established correctional reform practice in other parts of the world, it remains a novel initiative in Nigeria. She added that the inmates at the Benin facility were among the first to benefit from it and must therefore adhere strictly to its conditions.
“Good behaviour means having no record of misconduct while in custody and demonstrating a readiness for community reintegration through the acquisition of a vocational skill,” she said.
Justice Edodo-Eruaga clarified that inmates convicted of heinous crimes such as rape and murder were not eligible for Parole. Inmates serving life sentences must have completed at least 10 years of incarceration, while those serving 21-year terms must have completed a third of their sentence before applying.
She emphasised that the essence of Parole is to help decongest correctional facilities nationwide and reintegrate rehabilitated inmates into society with dignity.
Also speaking during the visit, Mr. Abraham Naibo, Programme Assistant at the Prisons Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), encouraged inmates to utilise their time in custody to learn vocational skills. He warned that approaching the Parole Board without any demonstrable skill could negatively affect their chances of being considered.
“The skills acquired while serving will serve as a launchpad for a fresh start upon release. Rehabilitation is incomplete without practical means of livelihood,” Naibo stated.
He further advised inmates to maintain close communication with correctional officers throughout their Parole period, saying it would help document their reformation and ensure proper supervision.
On his part, the Controller of Corrections in Edo State, Sunday Oyakhire, represented by Deputy Controller of Corrections, Ogbue Paul Agiliga, appealed to inmates to take advantage of the skill acquisition opportunities available at the facility.
“Participation in skill-building programmes is not only empowering but also gives inmates a better shot at qualifying for Parole,” he noted.
The sensitisation outreach forms part of the broader efforts by the Edo State Parole Board and its partners to educate eligible inmates on the importance of rehabilitation, accountability, and lawful reintegration into society.
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