Isiyaku Ahmed
The Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Dr. Jacob Tsado, on Thursday formally submitted validated Restorative Justice (RJ) policy and practice documents to the Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon. Justice Dije Abdu Aboki.
The Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Program (RoLAC II), funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), supported the process through to the validation and presentation of the document.
Restorative justice is a system that prioritizes repairing harm and restoring relationships by focusing on accountability, healing, and community well-being instead of punishment.
The event marked what stakeholders described as a major milestone in the State’s justice reform process.
Dr. Tsado, in his speech, commended Justice Aboki for her guidance and unwavering support for the RJ process, noting that her commitment to justice that “heals, restores, and truly satisfies” had anchored the initiative since its inception.
He recalled that the journey began in December 2024 when Prison Fellowship Nigeria first introduced the idea to the Chief Judge.
This was followed by a sensitization workshop in February 2025, the creation of a Steering Committee, and a validation workshop where stakeholders endorsed the draft documents.
“Today, we are here with the fruits of that painstaking process, the validated documents, which we now have the honour of submitting formally to you,” Tsado said.
Looking ahead, he urged the Chief Judge to sign and authorize the Restorative Justice Practice Direction and Rules for the State, establish a Restorative Justice Centre within the Kano Multidoor Courthouse, and sponsor the Centre’s Head to understudy the Abuja or Lagos RJ Centre.
He also announced that Prison Fellowship Nigeria is ready to train 20 Restorative Justice Facilitators in Kano before the end of the year, to strengthen local capacity.
Dr. Tsado further acknowledged the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program, which facilitated the process, and expressed optimism that Kano State could become a pacesetter in advancing a justice system that not only punishes crime but also promotes healing and reconciliation.
“Kano is poised to lead in establishing Restorative Justice as a viable option for dispute resolution and community harmony,” he said.
Responding, Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon. Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar (Legal), Fatima Garba Yakasai, appreciated the efforts of the Prison Fellowship in ensuring that restorative justice is implemented in all the states of the federation.
“We are passionate about restorative justice and are elated with your presentation.
“Our team is understudying all sections of the document to understand how the judiciary and other stakeholders will play a role in ensuring restorative justice is implemented in the state.”
“The justice department is ready for the training of Restorative Justice Facilitators.
On the establishment and sponsorship of the operation of the restorative justice center, the CJ said it is under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General of the state.
The State Program Coordinator of RoLAC II, Ibrahim Bello, said the part of the rule of law that his organization is sponsoring is the judiciary, in terms of access to justice and speedy dispensation of justice.
“Restorative justice is also part of it.
“We are concerned with the blooming number of ATPs in our correctional centers, and restorative justice is what we hope will contribute towards decongestion of the correctional centers.
“We will continue to support the judiciary to achieve speedy dispensation of justice in the state.
He appreciated the Prison Fellow for the timely validation of the documents.
