Concerned about the gaps in Nigeria’s justice sector reform, especially in post-incarceration care, the Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA) Initiative and other stakeholders have called for greater efforts to reintegrate unjustly incarcerated persons back into society.
Speaking during the launch of a shelter for restored citizens in Nasarawa on Thursday, Executive Director of REJA, Ogeriemen Shobanke, 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 rather a post-incarceration transition house designed to support reintegration. Many of them are still out there, with no place to turn.”
Shobanke, who explained that REJA began the initiative in 2020, called on government agencies, development partners, and individuals to support 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), implemented by IIDEA, 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.
“As a programme, we will see what we can do to support you in this laudable initiative,” Badejogbin added.
The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, in a keynote address delivered by Justice Yahaya Shafa, who is also Secretary of the Justice Administration Committee, confirmed that the system is 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,” Aliyu said, adding that Nasarawa State is working towards setting up rehabilitation homes for children and vulnerable ex-detainees.
Jacob Tsado of the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, in a goodwill 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.
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.
