LASG, EU Rolac Dey Push Restorative Justice To Reduce Prison Congestion

Lagos State Ministry of Justice, together with European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (RoLAC) programme, don call on people of di state make dem adopt restorative justice to help reduce congestion for correctional centres and lessen di burden on courts. Di appeal come during 2025 International Restorative Justice Week, tagged: “Restorative Justice, Your Legal Rights,” wey hold for Lagos State Ministry of Justice. RoLAC Project Coordinator, Ajibola Ajimakinwa, talk say dem need make public sabi more and institutions dey use restorative justice because referral numbers still low compared to minor offences wey dey enter di criminal justice system. She yarn, “Before, justice na only punishment and jail. Now, victim and offender fit come together, discuss wetin happen, talk how e affect dem, and reach agreement wey dey hold offender accountable and still dey address victim needs.”

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), add say restorative justice dey important for healing, accountability, and rehabilitation, and e dey provide alternative to custodial sentencing. Lagos Restorative Justice Centre, wey start in 2022, don help reduce pressure on courts, shorten pre-trial detention, and promote peace for communities. Pedro talk say di Centre don get 360 referrals, and over 80% don resolve through victim-offender mediation, restitution, and community service. Dem outcomes help reduce number of people wey dey remand and improve community harmony. Head of Restorative Justice Unit, Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, add say restorative justice dey for minor offences like assault and stealing, and even offences wey fit carry 3–7 years imprisonment, but capital offences no dey included. She yarn say restitution, apology, and dialogue dey help repair harm and restore trust, making restorative justice both corrective and peace-building tool.