NCS Facilitates Restorative Justice In Osun, Pardons Offenders
The Non-Custodial Unit of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Osun State Command, has successfully facilitated a restorative justice process, OSUN DEFENDER reports.
This, according to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, Joel Oyedokun reinforced the service’s commitment to alternative sentencing in accordance with Section 43 of the NCoS Act, 2019.
The initiative, coordinated by Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Musibau Olopade, brought together offenders, their families and a respected community and religious leader in a mediated session focused on reconciliation, accountability, and reintegration. This process highlights the Service’s dedication to humane, reformative, and community-centered justice administration.
During a formal presentation at the office of the Controller of Corrections in the state, Olapade provided a comprehensive overview of the case and the steps taken to achieve reconciliation.
He explained the circumstances that prevented the victim from being physically present at the session.
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Osun State Command, Rotimi Oluwadele reiterated the core mandates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly its emphasis on rehabilitation, reintegration and public safety.
He advised the offenders recently released from the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Ilesa to desist from unlawful activities and embrace the opportunity offered by restorative justice to rebuild trust and reintegrate into society as responsible citizens. He further encouraged them to remain respectful to their parents and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The parents of the offenders expressed deep appreciation to the Controller of Corrections and the Non-Custodial officers for their professionalism and commitment, which led to the successful resolution of the case.
Also speaking, community leader Elder Bisi Makanjuola, a former Managing Director of Machine Tools, Osogbo, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly the Non-Custodial Unit, for its impactful interventions.
He acknowledged that prior to this engagement, his awareness of non-custodial measures was limited, but he now fully appreciates their role in promoting peace, accountability, and rehabilitation.
He encouraged the command to intensify public sensitization on non-custodial services across the state and offered prayers for the continued success of the Service and the nation.
In his remarks, the Officer in charge of Non-Custodial service in the state, S O Johnson, appreciated the Controller for giving the unit an enabling environment to operate. He further charged the offenders to be of good conduct.
He also commended the Field officer, Olapade and other officers for the job well done and for being the good Ambassadors of the service in their various courts. H
He pledged that non-custodial units in the state would continue to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
