Chinedum Elekwachi
Controller of Corrections, Nigeria Correctional Service, Anambra State Command, Ike Anslem has urged stakeholders in the judicial system to be committed to a shaping correctional system that not only detains but reforms.
He also charged them to commit themselves to correctional system that not only punish but rehabilitates and opens doors for reintegration rather than recidivism.
Ike spoke in Awka at a roundtable discussion that focused on Advancing Implementation of Non-Custodial Measures in the State.
The engagement was organized by Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), in partnership with the European Union and International IDEA.
The Controller commended the stakeholders sustained commitment to criminal justice reform, particularly the strengthening of non-custodial alternatives.
“I am particularly delighted that attention is being drawn to the challenges and opportunities around non-custodial sentencing and community-based corrections.
“This initiative aligns directly with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which emphasizes rehabilitation, reintegration, and alternative sentencing,” he said.
The challenges
Ike however regretted several critical challenges facing implementation of non-custodial measures in the state despite enabling legal framework.
The challenges include limited public awareness and judicial adoption; insufficient funding and resources.
Others are: gaps in capacity building and lack of collaboration among stakeholders as well as poor public perception and stigma.
The organization also faces infrastructural and logistical constraints as well as weak legislative and policy support at state level.
Ike expressed optimism that the key actors in the justice system would seize the unique opportunity to share ideas, and develop innovative solutions.
He also hoped that they will establish working framework for coordinated and effective implementation of non-custodial measures across the State.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Prof Sylva Ifemeje, restated state government’s commitment to deepening reforms in criminal justice.
Ifemeje who doubles as Chairperson, Anambra state Restorative Justice Steering Committee said, “Our active Restorative Justice Steering Committee has continued to drive innovation and system-wide coordination.
“Our judiciary has recorded significant gains through the operation of specialized courts handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
“These efforts demonstrate the State’s resolve to humanize justice delivery and prioritize offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
Ifemeje, represented by Dr Chukwudozie Ifiora however regretted what she termed sporadic and underwhelming implementation of non-custodial measures in many parts of Nigeria amidst presence of legal framework.
Factors hampering efficiency
She listed contributing factors as incomplete domestication and operational gaps, as well as insufficient institutional capacity.
Others include: judicial and public skepticism, poor infrastructure and monitoring, among other factors.
She called for collaboration towards implementation of non-custodial measures with commitment, innovation, and compassion.
The Attorney General expressed Anambra’s readiness to share its experiences and partner with like-minded stakeholders in strengthening non-custodial solutions across Nigeria.
“Anambra State remains ready to share its experiences and partner with like-minded stakeholders in strengthening non-custodial solutions across Nigeria.
“We must work collectively—across institutions, sectors, and communities—to implement non-custodial measures with commitment, innovation, and compassion.
“Let us seize this moment to transform our justice system into one that truly serves the people—upholding the dignity of every individual while promoting public safety and social reintegration,” she added.
