Suleja Correctional Centre Inmate Release: AWJAI’s Commitment to Restorative Justice

On December 12, 2024, the Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, visited the Suleja Correctional Centre, where the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI) advocated for the release of an inmate who had been incarcerated since June 2022. This Suleja Correctional Centre inmate release effort reflected AWJAI’s continued commitment to improving access to justice and promoting fair outcomes for individuals caught in the justice system.

Just days later, on December 20, 2024, AWJAI fulfilled its promise by paying the N60,000 fine required to secure his freedom. Convicted of theft, the inmate had been serving a seven-year sentence, with the option of a N60,000 fine and a N1,200,000 compensation order.

AWJAI worked closely with the Yankogi Area Court and the Suleja Correctional Centre to ensure every legal and administrative step was properly completed. Beyond facilitating the Suleja Correctional Centre inmate release, AWJAI also helped structure an agreement outlining a plan for the individual to repay the compensation order, reinforcing accountability as an essential part of justice and personal growth.

At AWJAI, we believe justice should not end with punishment. Our work supports restorative justice approaches that promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and second chances. By securing this release, we helped create an opportunity for a new beginning built on responsibility and hope.

This case is a reminder that justice can be both firm and compassionate. It shows the life-changing impact of timely intervention and community-driven support, and it reinforces AWJAI’s commitment to a justice system rooted in accountability, dignity, and the possibility of transformation.