FG Adopts Measures To Re-structure Criminal Justice Sector

The Federal Ministry of Justice has restated commitment to improving the criminal justice system in the Federal Capital Territory to work better for victims and survivors to communicate and address needs in the aftermath of a crime.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice who made the call at a forum in Abuja, said the necessary legal framework has been put in place to review, develop and build a sustainable system that not only punishes wrongdoing but also promotes healing for victims.

Fagbemi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Beatrice Jedda-Agba
said restorative justice is an evolving approach to justice that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed.

The AGF added that the restorative justice system gives an offender the opportunity to make amends and try to correct some wrongdoing and hurt caused to the victims through stringent consequences of their action.

Fagbemi, stressed that Nigeria has encapsulated restorative justice in the administration of justice Act, 2015 and Nigeria Correctional Service Act, 2019 sections 314 and 319, which provides for victims compensation as part of restorative justice measures.

Earlier, the Director Administration of the Criminal Justice and Reform Department of the Ministry, Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels said the initiative is a step in the right direction aimed at restoring the criminal justice system which represents a paradigm shift from traditional punitive to healings, rehabilitation, and reconciliation.

She added that the initiative is to address the challenges of recidivism, overcrowded correctional facilities, and lengthy prosecution process.

Leticia added that the administration of criminal justice provides a robust and restorative justice that empowers courts to award compensation to victims, which is a component of restorative practices.

She added that the criminal justice system promotes non-custodial measures by providing victims’ offender’s mediation, family group conferencing, and community mediation, amongst others.

Mrs Daniels commended all stakeholders, especially the United Nation’s Office on Drug and Crime UNODC, for their effective collaboration and series of restorative justice documents for effective implementation.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji