As part of our commitment to building a more youth-focused and inclusive world, the Executive Director of Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA), Osariemen Grace Omoruyi, was part of the young peace-builders recently invited by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to attend the launch of the groundbreaking Youth-Centered…

The Executive Director of Restorative Justice for Africa, Osariemen Omoruyi was at the 4th High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) that held at the United Nations HQ in NewYork, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This  strategic meeting facilitates the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for…

The Lagos State Prison Decongestion Exercise (Decongestion of Custodial Centres Exercise) 2023 was held on the 13th of July 2023. The exercise was presided by the Hon Chief Judge in an open house court session at the Samuel Ilorin Court House, Ogba, Ikeja. Reja Initiative was privileged to be a part of…

In the small town of Evbuoriaria, a young man named Ibrahim (pseudo) found himself trapped in a web of accusations. On that fateful day, he stood before the Evbuoriaria Magistrates' Court, charged with stealing a tricycle—a crime he vehemently denied committing. The weight of uncertainty and fear settled upon his…

We are delighted to share the remarkable story of Kingsley who faced a challenging legal battle but emerged victorious with the help of REJA Initiative. Kingsley was wrongfully arrested, accused of conspiracy, and stealing a sealed parcel containing an iPhone 12 at his workplace. His trial faced several delays and…

As part of our access to justice project, the Reja team visited the Keffi Correctional Centre, where we gained more insights into the issues faced in our correctional system.  It was alarming to discover that the correctional centre, designed to accommodate 385 inmates, currently holds a staggering population of 900…

Restorative Justice all the way from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Today we spotlight the case of Taju (pseudonym) a one time commercial driver, who after losing the vehicle which fetched his daily income turned into a garage boy which made him involved in drinking and gambling. On a particular day after drinking, he went to…

In a sad tale of false accusations and abuse of power, Mr. D found himself trapped in the clutches of the criminal justice system.  Mr. D was arrested and detained on a trump-up charge of stealing, and despite an express order by the DPO of the police station that he be released, a rebellious officer…

Today, our legal team was present at the high court, Ikeja to represent a minor (female) who is standing trial for manslaughter.  This particular case has suffered unfortunate delays because the court has not sat as scheduled for more than three previous adjustments. This case highlights a pressing issue that…

Today, the REJA team visited the Legal Aid CDS Group  in New Karu, Nasarawa State. Our aim was to engage in fruitful discussions and raise awareness about restorative justice (RJ), emphasizing its numerous benefits and highlighting the provisions of RJ within the Nigerian legislations. Throughout our interactions with the group,…

In a bold and progressive move towards transforming the criminal justice landscape, the Lagos State Restorative Justice Centre organized a Restorative Justice Sensitization Programme. This unique initiative aimed to not only raise awareness about the principles and benefits of restorative justice but also showcased its practical application through a blend…

We are happy to bring you impact stories from Edo State, Nigeria. Our volunteer Peter Ogbu represented and secured the release of Jude Mathew (Pseudonym) aged 32 who was working in a palm oil mill in Benin City. Due to the poor conditions of service, Mr Jude notified his employer…

REJA Initiative had its first quarter webinar on the emergence of restorative justice in the Nigerian criminal justice system on the 28th of April 2023. The webinar featured two (2) keynote speakers; Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, managing partner Compos Mentis and board member REJA and G.I Igbokwe, team lead Social Development Unit…

Another sad story on intentional wrongful accusation like the 'central park five' is the case of two interstate transporters, Mr. Jude and Mr. Philip (pseudo names) who were accused by a female passenger of rape. Earlier on that day, an altercation had broken out in the course of their journey…

Mr Solomon Jonah (SJ pseudonym) was arrested in Port Harcourt sometime in May 2022 over an altercation between him and a Police Officer. SJ was a fuel black marketer in Port Harcourt. On the day of the incident, the police officer took all of SJ's merchandise, which led to an altercation that…

Sunday had been working as a cashier in a school when he was accused of siphoning the sum of #460,000 from his boss. He was arrested and was immediately arraigned in court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.  Having been briefed of the case during one of our…

On the 4th of March 2023, Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative facilitated a restorative justice meeting between two parties in a criminal matter in Abuja.  The restorative process enabled the parties in the case to come together to address the harm committed while sourcing for viable methods for reconciliation and…

When persons are accused of committing offences, they are often secluded from the society and remanded in places where they are to serve out their sentences. These places are called "correctional centres". The idea behind  correctional centres is to rehabilitate these individuals and equip them with the necessary skills and vocations…

The Nigerian Correctional Service, formerly known as the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), is an agency of the Federal Government under the Ministry of Interior. Historically, the Nigerian prison system, as it is known today, was introduced by the British during the time when Nigeria was her colony (1861–1960). This was…

Reja Initiative held its annual retreat from the 27th to 28th of January 2023. The retreat involved trainings and strategic planning for 2023 and team bonding sessions between team mates. The training facilitators helped the team deepen their understanding of the criminal justice system while highlighting strategic plans for 2023…

In line with one of the goals of Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (Reja initiative) which is the sensitisation of stakeholders on the need for restorative justice, a comprehensive training was conducted for police officers in 2 states in Nigeria on Restorative policing and human rights.  The training was held…

Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative was recognized and awarded the Innovators awards in Global Affairs in October 2022. This award was received alongside other prominent awardees like Dr. Punit Renjen, CEO of Deloitte Global, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, former Director for European Affairs for the National Security Council.Four other…

REJA Initiative is honored to have visited the Essex Community Justice Centre, Vermont, USA. The visit afforded us with an incredible opportunity to learn about Restorative Justice from an American perspective. We intend to apply the insights gained during the visit to our Restorative Justice work in Africa.

Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA) Initiative is delighted to have completed a special training course on Restorative Justice, Facilitation and Victims support provided by Remedi Restorative Service, a UK based non-profit Restorative Justice Organization. It was indeed an intellectually tasking but mutually beneficial, and enjoyable journey for both sides. We…

Restorative Justice is an alternative framework for viewing crime that seeks to bring together the parties involved and the community to repair the harm caused. It views crime firstly as a violation of human relationships and secondly as a violation of the law. For victims, it gives them a voice…

IN A PROPER DEMOCRACY, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO. Abraham Lincoln talking about democracy would say it is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Democracy entails the exercise of the electoral right of the people wherein citizens are allowed to participate in the process of…

Myth 4: Restorative Justice is not suitable for all cases, it is only appropriate for minor offences. Fact: Restorative Justice (RJ) has proven to be very appropriate for capital offences as it has been for minor offences. For minor offences, RJ has provided alternatives to custodial sentences and for capital…

Myth 3: Restorative justice requires forgiveness and becoming friends with the offender. Fact: The victim in a restorative program is not under any pressure or compulsion to forgive or reconcile with the offender. RJ simple engineers the process that helps the victim get answers to their toughest questions. Although the…

Myth 2: Restorative justice is a get out of jail free card for the offender.Fact: Restorative Justice (RJ) advocates for a healthy complement to and in certain cases of minor offences, an alternative to retributive justice. RJ does not do away with punishment, but advocates for restitution and repair which…

Myth 1: Restorative Justice focuses on the offenderFact: Offender rehabilitation is a common element of Restorative justice but it does not necessarily make it offender centred. Restorative Justice is an approach that considers all the parties involved, particularly the healing process of the victim.In our present Criminal Justice System, Crime…

A Simple Guide to Understanding Restorative Justice By Stephanie Chikwauzor Emebo, Esq. (chikwaemebo@gmail.com) Stephanie Chikwauzor Emebo, Esq. ABSTRACT From the beginning of time, man has always needed laws to govern his activities. For peace to reign and for these laws to be enforced, a justice system is needed. Not only…

Restorative Justice This article provides information about who a mediator is, and went further to explore an aspect of Restorative Justice called the victim-offender mediation. It is believed that every correctional officer should have mediation skill. Enjoy! A mediator is a trained person who facilitates communication between conflicting parties and…

The focus is on juvenile offenders and the administration of Juvenile Justice in Nigeria. As you are aware, the administration of adult crime is different from that of young offenders. It is imperative that correctional officers (both custodial and non-custodial) abreast themselves with the modern practices handling juvenile delinquents. A…

Sequel to the commencement of full implementation of the non-custodial policy in Nigeria, I deemed it fit to reel out the qualities and functions of the probation officer. Most of the officers posted to the non-custodial service of the Nigerian Correctional Service are likely to be probation officer. It is…

Exploring Chaplaincy and its Role in the Custodial Facility. Chaplaincy activities are indispensable in the reformation, rehabilitation and reentry of offenders. Much like in the military and at hospitals, correctional chaplains provide pastoral care to those who are disconnected from the general community by certain circumstances – in this case…