Transforming Justice: The Jurisprudence of Restorative Justice for Victims of Crime in Nigeria

This paper explores the concept of restorative justice within the context of Nigeria's criminal justice system, with a view to addressing the transformation of justice, taking into cognisance the needs and interests of victims of crime. It examines retributive justice in Nigeria, focusing on its implications for victims of crime. The longstanding tradition of retributive justice in Nigeria has been fraught with challenges, often neglecting the needs and rights of victims. It addresses the needs of crime victims in Nigeria from the jurisprudence of restorative justice framework perspective. The primary purpose of this research is to analyse how retributive justice can be transformed to serve victims within the Nigerian legal context. Using a qualitative methodology that includes a review of legal texts, interviews with legal practitioners, victims of crime, and policymakers, this study identifies key gaps in the current justice framework. The findings reveal that while retributive justice aims to hold offenders accountable, it frequently fails to address victims' needs for restitution, closure, and engagement in the justice process. Consequently, the paper argues for a paradigm shift towards a more integrated approach that harmonises retributive principles with restorative practices. The conclusions emphasise the necessity of reforming Nigeria's justice system to prioritise victims' rights, thereby enhancing the overall legitimacy and effectiveness of legal proceedings. This research contributes to the discourse on justice reform in Nigeria, advocating for a model that acknowledges the multifaceted impacts of crime and the importance of victim participation in the pursuit of justice