The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the European Union–funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, has called on Lagos residents to embrace restorative justice as part of ongoing efforts to decongest correctional centres and reduce the burden on the courts.
The appeal was made on Thursday during a briefing held to commemorate the 2025 International Restorative Justice Week, tagged: “Restorative Justice, Your Legal Rights,” held at the Lagos State Secretariat Ministry of Justice.
The State Project Coordinator for RoLAC, Ajibola Ajimakinwa, stressed the need to expand public awareness and institutional adoption of restorative justice mechanisms, lamenting that referral numbers remain low compared to the volume of minor offences entering the criminal justice system.
She said, “We look forward to increased referrals from magistrate courts and even the police. Before now, justice was all about punishment and incarceration. Now we are saying the victim and offender can come together, discuss what happened and its impact, and reach an agreement that ensures accountability while also addressing the victim’s needs.”
She emphasised that restorative justice is a humane and efficient alternative for minor offences that do not require custodial sentencing, adding that wider adoption would significantly ease overcrowding in Lagos correctional centres.
Ajimakinwa noted that the Ministry of Justice carried out sensitisation drives during the week in Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu, aimed at deepening public understanding of restorative justice and its benefits.
On his part, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), said restorative justice has become a critical tool for promoting healing, accountability and rehabilitation, adding that the approach offers sustainable alternatives to custodial sentencing.
He noted that the Lagos Restorative Justice Centre, established in 2022 as the first of its kind in Nigeria, was conceived to ease pressure on the courts, reduce prolonged pre-trial detention and strengthen peaceful coexistence in communities.
According to him, the centre has received 360 referrals so far, with over 80 percent successfully resolved through mechanisms such as victim-offender mediation, restitution agreements, and community service sentencing.
These outcomes, he said, have led to fewer persons being remanded to correctional facilities and to improved harmony within communities.
The Attorney General explained that restorative justice remains a central part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda on security and governance, aligning with this year’s global theme, “Restorative Justice as Human Rights.” He emphasised that access to justice must be seen not only as a legal right but also as a fundamental human right that upholds dignity and gives victims a voice.
While acknowledging the strong collaboration from the Judiciary, District Prosecutors, the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse and civil society partners, Pedro expressed concern that referrals from the police remain significantly low despite the clear benefits of restorative justice to policing and community relations. He said increasing police involvement would remain a priority for the Ministry.
Assessments, he noted, show that the Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry divisions record high numbers of cases suitable for restorative justice but currently lack immediate access to the necessary structures. As a result, the state has begun phased expansion efforts, including sensitisation and on-site engagements to ensure statewide coverage across all IBILE divisions.
Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, Head of the Restorative Justice Unit, noted that restorative justice applies to minor offences such as assault and stealing, as well as offences attracting imprisonment terms of three to seven years.
She stressed that capital offences remain excluded from the process. Adekunle-Bello added that restitution, apology, and dialogue often help repair harm and restore community trust, making restorative justice both a corrective and peace-building tool.
She further explained that referrals to the restorative justice unit can originate from the police, magistrate courts, or the Directorate of Public Prosecution. Adekunle-Bello urged justice system stakeholders to embrace the mechanism more actively, noting that it not only expands access to justice but also strengthens relationships within communities. She added that in cases where the process fails, matters are returned to the courts for continuation of regular proceedings.
