The concept of justice has evolved over time, yet our correctional system in Nigeria still leans heavily on punitive measures, which often fail to address the root causes of criminal behavior or achieve true societal harmony. With the rising menace among our youth and the persistent challenges of crime in our communities, it is high time we re-evaluated our approach to justice. Restorative justice—a transformative system that seeks to rehabilitate offenders, heal victims, and rebuild the community—provides a viable solution to the challenges we face.
Unlike the conventional system that focuses solely on punishment, restorative justice addresses the harm caused by crime in a holistic manner. It acknowledges the needs of victims, holds offenders accountable in constructive ways, and promotes community involvement in resolving conflicts. This approach not only aims to repair the damage done but also works to prevent re-offending by fostering understanding and rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, Nigeria’s correctional centers have become places of despair, where first-time offenders are often mixed with hardened criminals, and minor offenses are treated with the same severity as major crimes. This system has inadvertently turned correctional facilities into breeding grounds for crime. Many inmates, instead of being reformed, leave prison more hardened, angry, and alienated from society.
The issue is further compounded by the misuse of these facilities by some influential individuals who see them as tools for revenge or intimidation. It is not uncommon to hear of cases where people use their connections or bribe law enforcement officers to ensure that perceived offenders—sometimes innocent individuals—are imprisoned. This form of abuse undermines the integrity of our justice system and leads to a vicious cycle of resentment and retaliation.
As the National Youth Coordinator of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, I, Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi, see restorative justice as the first step toward solving these systemic problems. Correctional facilities should not be places of revenge or deliberate intimidation; rather, they should serve as centers for genuine rehabilitation. It is deeply troubling to see that many individuals leave these facilities worse than they entered, with some becoming drug addicts or joining criminal networks as a means of survival.
The consequences of this broken system are visible in our communities, where we face an increase in insecurity, youth delinquency, and a pervasive sense of mistrust in law enforcement. If we are serious about curbing the menace among our youth, we must embrace restorative justice as a matter of urgency.
Restorative justice offers an alternative approach, one that emphasizes non-custodial sentences for minor offenses. Instead of incarceration, offenders could be required to perform community service, attend rehabilitation programs, or engage in restitution to their victims. This approach not only decongests correctional facilities but also ensures that offenders are reintegrated into society with a sense of accountability and purpose.
To achieve this, we need decisive action from the Minister of Interior and other stakeholders in the justice sector. I urge the Minister to collaborate with organizations like Prison Fellowship Nigeria, which has been at the forefront of advocating for restorative justice. Together, they can design policies and frameworks that prioritize reform, reconciliation, and reintegration. These policies should include:
Non-Custodial Sentencing Programs: Introducing community service, probation, and restorative dialogue as alternatives to imprisonment for minor offenses.
Victim-Centered Approaches: Establishing systems that address the needs of victims, ensuring they receive justice and support for their recovery.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Initiatives: Developing programs within correctional facilities to educate and rehabilitate inmates, preparing them for a productive life after release.
Community Engagement: Encouraging community leaders, religious organizations, and civil society to actively participate in restorative justice initiatives.
Accountability Mechanisms: Implementing checks and balances to prevent the misuse of correctional facilities for personal vendettas or intimidation.
This call is not just about policy reform; it is about reclaiming the humanity of those who have erred and creating a society where justice fosters healing rather than perpetuating harm. Restorative justice is not a soft approach; it is a smart and compassionate way to address crime in a way that benefits everyone—victims, offenders, and society at large.
Let us remember that every offender is a product of their environment and circumstances. With the right intervention, many can be transformed into productive members of society. By addressing the systemic flaws in our justice system, we can reduce crime, restore hope to countless individuals, and build stronger, safer communities.
The time for action is now. Let us embrace restorative justice as a pathway to healing our nation and securing a better future for our youth. Together, we can redefine justice to uphold the dignity, humanity, and potential of every Nigerian.
By Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi, National Youth Coordinator, Prison Fellowship Nigeria.
