RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM: A CATALYST TO REDUCING RECIDIVISM IN NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

Nigeria's criminal justice system faces challenges, including prison overcrowding and most importantly is the issue of recidivism. Recidivism means a relapse into crime and criminal lifestyle or activities by an offender who had once or more times had gone through the criminal justices system for reoffending. Restorative justice (RJ) is an approach that emphasizes repairing harm caused by crime and reintegrating offenders into society. The traditional system often focuses on punishment for offenders. This article examined the concept and application of restorative justice. The research further adopted Reintegrative Shaming Theory which believes that societies have lower crime rates if they communicate shame about crime effectively. They will have a lot of violence if violent behaviour is not shameful, high rates of rape if rape is something men can brag about, endemic white-collar crime if business people think law-breaking is clever rather than shameful. Furthermore, the seminar adopted Social Learning Theory to explain the cause of recidivism. Some of the benefits of restorative Justice includes making the offender take responsibility for their actions and the harm they caused, rebuilding relationships with the victim and help rebuild relationships within the community and foster a sense of support for the offender's rehabilitation. Some of the benefits of Restorative Justice highlighted include Reduced Recidivism, Victim Satisfaction and Empowerment, Increased community safety, Reduction in Correctional Centres Overcrowding and Reduction of caseloads in Court. Finally it was recommended that the Criminal Justice system should begin and expand Pilot Programs Public Awareness, Provide training and resources for law enforcement and court personnel and Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, courts and the Psychologists.