Restorative Justice Key To Criminal Justice System – PFN

Prison Fellowship Nigeria PFN has called for the adoption of restorative justice as a critical solution to Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Dr Jacob Tsado, made the call at the opening of the Fellowship’s 2025 Prayer Week held at Four Square Church, Asokoro Abuja.

According to PFN’s Executive Director, restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime or wrongdoing rather than solely on punishment through inclusive engagement.

He described restorative justice as a more humane, effective, and affordable alternative to the traditional punitive model.
Dr Tsado maintained that the organization is using the national week of prayers to mobilize churches, Non Governmental organisations and people of goodwill to remember those behind bars, those who are victims of crime, their families and those who work in the criminal justice system.

According to Tsado,the Fellowship uses the Prayer Week to also create awareness on the needs in the sector because multitudes of people are in incarceration while the majority are awaiting trial.

The Deputy Vice Chairman of Prison Fellowship Nigeria’s Board, Yinka Oyewole, said the Fellowship has added value to correctional centres educationally, materially and other programmes particularly on provision for the needs of the children of inmates.

Mr Oyewole said that by extension, the Fellowship also has programmes for those released by preparing them emotionally for the next stage of life.

He called on the Minister of the FCT to partner the Prison Fellowship Nigeria to reduce crime in the FCT, adding that the group has all it takes to give professional, educational, and spiritual guidance
to make the society, a safe haven.

Also speaking, Mr Edose John, Director of Prison and Hospital Outreach, Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro, commended the government’s effort in correctional centres, especially in education and skill acquisition.

Mr. John, however, said there was a need to do more in renovating the centres, providing good accommodation, and improved welfare, among others.

The Deputy Executive Director Prison Fellowship, Dr Elijah Ogunsanya, called on the government to take the welfare of the inmates seriously and support more NGOs who have good remodification programmes for inmates.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji