Federal Government said it will commence the use of restorative justice system as an alternative to the formal court procedures, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
It said the new justice system would focus on addressing the plight of victims of crime instead of merely punishing the offenders.
The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN made this known in a keynote address delivered at the opening session of a two-day workshop for sensitizing facilitators on the implementation of restorative justice in the FCT.
The Workshop was organized by Federal Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the UNODC, on 14th October, 2024 in Abuja.
It said the system would help to decongest the prisons.
Represented by Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, said that the Workshop is not just a gathering of minds, but an opportunity to align with the collective will towards a new approach to justice, one that fosters healing, reconciliation, accountability and restoration.
He said, “The system, which is an alternative to the formal court procedures, is a paradigm in shift that would not only ensure speedy resolution of cases but also enhance the process of “repair, resolution and reintegration.”
He stated that, “The concept of Restorative justice goes to the root of our Africaness, which believes that we cannot come back from court and remain as good neighbours.
“Today, we are here to explore how we, as key stakeholders, can work together to successfully implement this innovative model in the FCT.
According to him, “The goal of restorative justice is to create outcomes that are not only fair but also healing for everyone involved. By focusing on accountability and empathy, we aim to reduce recidivism, alleviate the emotional toll on victims, and strengthen the fabric of our society”.
“Therefore, for restorative justice to be successful, it requires the active participation of a wide array of stakeholders.
“Whether you are from law enforcement, the judiciary, traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society, or the community at large, your involvement is critical to ensuring that restorative justice takes root and thrives in the FCT.
“There is often skepticism about new approaches to justice, especially when they deviate from the traditional punitive model. Some may ask, can restorative justice truly hold offenders accountable? Will it undermine the authority of the courts? Can it be applied to serious crimes? These are valid concerns, and it is our job to provide clear answers and evidence of the efficacy of restorative justice.
He pointed that, “The public needs to understand that restorative justice is not a ‘soft’ option or a soft landing but a rigorous process that emphasizes accountability, responsibility, and active participation in repairing the harm caused.
“Restorative justice offers a chance to humanize the justice system, making it more responsive to the needs of victims and offenders alike. It offers a way to address the root causes of crime and conflict, rather than merely punishing the symptoms and most importantly, it offers a path to healing for individuals and communities,” the DPPF added.
In his remarks, a representative of traditional rulers in the FCT, the Etsu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo, while commending FG for the initiative, stressed that it should be replicated across the federation.
He frowned at the fact that most correctional centers in the country are overcrowded, saying for restorative justice system to achieve its purpose, traditional rulers and heads of communities must be carried along.
In her welcome remarks, the Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, said the workshop marked another significant step forward in the shared mission to promote restorative justice as an integral part of criminal justice system.
She described the new system as a progressive reform which “offers an inclusive approach that seeks to heal rather than simply punish.”
“It engages offenders, victims, and the community in a meaningful way, promoting accountability, healing, and rehabilitation,” she added.
Ayoola-Daniels expressed profound gratitude to HAGF for his unwavering support of the initiative. She added that his dedication to criminal justice reform has provided the foundation for many of the advancements that has been achieved.
She equally thanked the solicitor General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, mni, the UNODC,ROLAC International Idea and others for their support.
Other Participants present were Judges, Magistrates, Nigeria Police Force, CSOs, NGOs.
Signed
Modupe Ogundoro
Director, Information & PR
