Legal practitioners, the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, and other key stakeholders in the judiciary have commenced the validation exercise for the Restorative Justice documents aimed at strengthening the justice system in Kano State.
The validation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to advance judicial reform in Kano, expedite justice delivery, and promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and harmonious coexistence among citizens.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the two-day validation workshop for the Restorative Justice documents developed by the Kano State Steering Committee, Jacob Tsado, Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, lauded the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice system reform.
He noted that her prompt constitution of the Restorative Justice Steering Committee, following the impactful sensitisation workshop held in February this year, was a crucial step in advancing restorative justice in the state.
He added, “The validation exercise we are undertaking over these two days is not a routine activity; it is a critical milestone in the journey to institutionalised restorative justice in the state. It provides us with the opportunity to collectively examine, refine, and affirm the documents that will serve as the bedrock for restorative justice practice, policy, and implementation in Kano.”
He pointed out that the work would lay the foundation for a justice system that is more inclusive, healing, and community-centred, “one that prioritises restoration over retribution.”
Mr Tsado further commended the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, implemented by International IDEA and generously funded by the European Union, for their continued partnership and support in achieving the desired objectives.
He maintained that “through their commitment, we are seeing state-level initiatives such as this gain traction, not only in Kano but across the country,” explaining that a similar validation exercise had taken place in Plateau State three weeks prior, making Kano the second state to undertake such a process.
According to him, Prison Fellowship Nigeria remains committed to promoting restorative justice as a pathway to sustainable peace, rehabilitation, and social harmony. “We believe this process, once finalised, will equip stakeholders to respond more effectively to crime, reduce recidivism, and foster genuine transformation in our communities,” he added.
Also speaking, the National Programme Manager of RoLAC, Mr Dalladi Plang, stated that the programme had long advocated for restorative justice.
Represented by the Kano RoLAC Coordinator, Mr Plang noted that the concept initially began with the Multi-Door Courthouse, emphasising that having a documented policy for restorative justice marks a significant milestone for RoLAC II.
“We are ready to support the program and help mitigate prison congestion in the state,” he said.
Further remarks were made by the Director of the Multi-Door Courthouse and Chairman of the Steering Committee, who explained that restorative justice would enhance alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the state.
He commended the Chief Judge of Kano State for his appointment and affirmed his commitment to strengthening the justice sector in Kano.
Also contributing, the Director of Public Prosecution at the Kano State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Salisu Tahir, said the validation workshop would deepen stakeholders’ understanding of restorative justice, especially in their roles as criminal prosecutors.
During the exercise, participants engaged in thoughtful discussions before making resolutions on each section of the Restorative Justice policy documents.
