The Chief Judge (CJ) of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, and a non-governmental organisation, Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA Initiative), have expressed concern
By Taiye Agbaje
The Chief Judge (CJ) of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, and a non-governmental organisation, Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA Initiative), have expressed concern over the lacuna in the justice system reform.
They made this known on Thursday in Ado, Karu Local Government Area of the state, during the launch of the “Restored Voices Shelter” built by REJA Initiative to provide temporal shelter for those released from incarceration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the idea was to ensure a post-incarceration care for the ex-correctional centre inmates, especially those who are unjustly detained.
The Nasarawa State’s CJ, Bashir-Aliyu, assured of her partnership with the NGO in ensuring quick dispensation of justice in the state.
Represented by the state Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Mr Yahaya Shafa, she stated that the system was plagued with recidivism, largely due to a lack of post-release care.
“During our decongestion exercises, we noticed recurring faces. It’s clear many leave detention and return because they have nowhere else to go.
“Some go in innocent, but come out hardened. We must break this cycle,” the CJ said, adding that Nasarawa State was working towards setting up rehabilitation homes for children and vulnerable ex-detainees.
The Executive Director of REJA Initiative, Mrs Oseriemen Shobanke , called for greater efforts to reintegrate unjustly incarcerated persons back into society.
She said the initiative was borne out of the need to provide dignity and direction for people released from prison, many of whom have nowhere to go.
“We realised that after facilitating the release of many unjustly detained persons, they are left stranded,” she said.
“Where do they go? As human beings, they deserve a return to dignity. That’s why we established this shelter.
“It is not a permanent residence but a post-incarceration transition house to support reintegration. Many of them are still out there, with no place to turn,” she said.
Shobanke, who explained that REJA Initiative began the idea in 2020, called on government agencies, development partners and individuals to support the efforts to close the reintegration gap within the justice system.
Also speaking, Dr Oluwatoyin Badejogbin of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), described the project as timely and impactful.
“We are deeply touched by this intervention. What happens to people after their release from prison has always been a concern for us.
“The justice system currently lacks a structured approach for reintegration. Without support, many return to crime or suffer social rejection,” he said.
Jacob Tsado of the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria in a good will message also highlighted ongoing efforts with various state governments to embed restorative justice practices in the court system as a means of reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities.
NAN reports that a major highlight of the event was the launch of a Model Practice Direction on Restorative Justice for Nigerian Courts, alongside the unveiling and facility tour of the new shelter home, marked by a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)