The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, has called on the federal government to adequately empower the Nigerian Correctional Service to enable it serve as reform centres for criminals.

Adegboye, also charged the judiciary to cooperate with the Force to help keep criminal elements away from society.

DAILY POST reports that the commissioner made the call on Thursday while parading 15 suspects arrested for various crimes in the state.

Adegboye noted that most of the suspects are not fit to live with members of the public due to their criminally inclined behaviours.

He explained that some of the suspects are ex-convicts who have served various jail terms but returned to crime upon their release.

The commissioner, who described the development as a serious dimension to criminality in the country, however, advocated an amendment to the laws for strong punitive measures.

“Some people have turned this kidnapping into fast business. Most of the suspects are ex-convicts. This is a serious dimension of criminality in this country.

“The government should empower the Correctional Service more to reflect their name and be able to reform the inmates.

“We also want to appeal to the judiciary to cooperate with us. We don’t want these people back in society. We need to amend the laws for strong punitive measures, “he said.

He said one of the suspects, Asene Ogah, who was recently released after serving seven years in jail, was arrested for alleged kidnapping.

He added that the arrest of the suspect was well-celebrated in his community.

According to him, on hearing of the arrest of the suspect, members of the community jubilated throughout the night. They also sent representatives to the Command to say that we should not let the suspect return to the community.

He, however, appealed to traditional rulers to please cooperate with the command and other security agencies in the fight against insecurity in the state.

Edo Police urge Nigerian govt to empower correctional centres to reform criminals