NCoS Develops Inmates’ Biometric for Speedy Trial

NCoS Develops Inmates’ Biometric for Speedy Trial

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said it has developed the Correction Information Management System (CIMS) to capture inmates biometric.

NCoS added that CIMS will go a long way to assist the Service identify inmates and also aid the proper management of their case for speedy trial.

At a media parley in Abuja, Francis Osagiede Enobore, the Public Relations Officer of the Service, explained that the recurring incidence of jail breaks, escapes and riots in custodial centres are now a thing of the past.

He said the CIMS project has already taken off in 80 locations across the country.

Enobore, who pointed out that NCoS has not left out the issue of welfare for its staff, revealed that since the appointment of Ja’afaru Ahmed as Controller General (CG), over 25,000 officers and men of the Service have been promoted, some of which were stagnated for up to 15 years.

“May I use this opportunity to formally inform you that funds have been released by the Federal Government (FG) to pay the promotion arrears of personnel promoted in 2013 and 2014 and accordingly, payment has been effected to all beneficiaries including retired staff members,” he said.

The spokesperson, added that a reassessment of utility services in NCoS facilities nationwide is currently ongoing in order to device possible ways of coping with the phenomenal overcrowding in the system and avoid recurrence.

He noted that the generous attention of the present administration to the NCoS, coupled with the doggedness of the CGC, provided a recipe for fundamental changes in offenders’ management.

He said: “This is evidenced in the reinvigorated reformation and rehabilitation programmes in custodial centres across the country, part of which is the multi-million naira bakery and confectionery unit established in three locations in 2019.

“We have equally attempted to address the age-long infrastructural deficit through construction and rehabilitation of inmates’ cells including the provision of beds and beddings to enhance humane custody.

“Of significant mention is the 3,000 capacity ultra-modern custodial centres approved for all the geo-political zones, with that of the North West in Kano at the verge of completion, and that of North Central in Abuja, and Bori in Rivers State just commenced. A total of 32 satellite custodial centres shut down by the Boko Haram insurgency have also been re-opened.”

Mr. Enobore, further disclosed that in order to improve access to justice for pre-trial detainees, a total of 382 operational vehicles have been procured and distributed between 2016 and 2018, for inmates to be taken to court for hearing as and when due.

Shortly before the parley, reporters covering the Service visited and toured facilities at the Dukpa Farm Centre, in Gwagwalada, which is owned by NCoS.

They were taken round to assess facilities at both the poultry and confectionery units of the farm.

By PRNigeria