Pedro said this at a stakeholders forum on ‘Community service and other non-custodial measures in the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State,’ on Thursday, in Lagos.

He also emphasised the importance of non-custodial measures such as community service, suspended sentencing and parole.

Pedro noted that individuals who did not necessarily need to be incarcerated for punishment could still be held accountable in a manner that allows them to remain productive members of society.

“Community service help reduce re-offending rates and alleviate overcrowded correctional facilities.

“Statistics have shown that community-based sentences have reduced reoffending rates by at least 50 per cent, proving the efficacy of the alternative measures,” Pedro said.

He also highlighted the importance of  community involvement in the justice process to foster a sense of restitution and reconciliation.

“The forum’s timing is significant, coinciding with recent constitutional amendments empowering states to own, manage, and operate correctional facilities.

“Our experience has taught us that the landscape of criminal justice is evolving and it is imperative that we adopt our methods to better serve both justice and society.

“These examples provide a roadmap for Lagos State to implement similar strategies in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s plans which focuses on security, governance and social inclusion.

“Justice is a three-way traffic: justice for the claimant, justice for the defendant and justice for society,” he said.

Pedro said the forum marked a critical milestone in the journey toward a more equitable and compassionate criminal justice system in Lagos State.

This, he said, would set the stage for future reforms and collaborations aimed at enhancing community well-being and justice.

Pedro encouraged participants to engage actively, share insights and propose constructive solutions.

“Together, we can shape policies that not only uphold the principles of justice but also contribute to safer, more cohesive communities and a safer Lagos State,” he said.

Mrs Tomi Bodude, the Director of the Community Service Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, said the community service and other non-custodial measures marked a pivotal moment as stakeholders explored innovative approaches to fostering rehabilitation, promoting justice and enhancing community well-being.

Bodude said the event was in line with the state’s THEME Plus Agenda, on the heels of a recent constitutional amendment allowing states to manage correctional facilities.

She said the forum aimed at shifting the focus from retribution to rehabilitation, emphasising community integration over isolation.

Bodude  added that the forum’s timing was particularly relevant given the recent constitutional amendment.

“Our collective presence here underscores our shared commitment to advancing solutions that prioritise rehabilitation over retribution, and community integration over isolation.

“This gathering is very apt because of the recent constitutional amendment enabling states to own and manage correctional facilities.

“This change provides a unique opportunity for Lagos State to implement more humane and effective justice measures,” she said.

She encouraged participants to engage in thoughtful dialogue, collaboration to deepen their understanding of non-custodial measures and their transformative potential.

Mrs Ajibola Ijimakinwa, the representative of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption  programme (ROLAC), said that non-custodial measures were not being utilised optimally given the size of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the prison population.

Ijimakinwa said ROLAC would continue to support the process to deepen non-custodial measures, including rehabilitation, reintegration, and diversion programmes, among others.

She reaffirmed ROLAC’s commitment to improving the performance, quality, and oversight of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

She said ROLAC’s commitment includes the use of diversion and non-custodial measures aimed at decongesting custodial centres.

Ijimakinwa also highlighted ROLAC’s achievements and future plans, while urging stakeholders to commit to implementing the recommendations from the discussion.

She emphasised the potential of non-custodial measures to decongest custodial centres and rehabilitate offenders.

“Under ROLAC, we supported the assessment of the Community Service Unit, provided essential work implements, and offered capacity building for officers.

“This act has facilitated the adoption of non-custodial measures in many focus states across the country,” she said.

Ijimakinwa said that a key milestone for ROLAC had been its support for the announcement and implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.

“We are working with the Nigerian Correctional Service to establish non-custodial processes and mechanisms and to promote awareness about these measures,” she said.

She also emphasised the need to explore alternatives beyond community service and to address operational challenges related to the courts and community service. (NAN)