Adamawa justice sector bolstered as RoLAC, organizes coordination training for JSRT-ACJMC
By Mohammed Ismail
The justice sector in Adamawa State has received a landmark stride as Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) with support from International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) organized a step-down training for the Adamawa State Justice Sector Reform Team (JSRT) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) today in Yola.
The training, brought together key actors in the state’s justice system including representatives of Chief Judge of Adamawa State, the Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General as well as heads of security agencies, correctional service, and civil society organizations.
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Speaking to journalists after the session, Barrister Kowaobo Takoni, a consultant and resource person at the training, explained that the event was designed to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms within the justice sector.
“Basically, what we came here for today was a step-down training from an earlier session held at the national level. The focus is on translating strategic plans into tangible results. We reminded ourselves who we are as members of the Justice Sector Reform Team and the ACJMC, and what our roles entail under the National Policy on Justice. Importantly, we emphasized synergy between state and national teams,” she said.
According to her, a key outcome of the training is the adoption of new monitoring and evaluation tools to track activities and provide verifiable data. “It’s not just about documenting statistics but also telling compelling stories that show impact and build public confidence in the justice system,” Takoni added.
The resource person noted that by working as a team rather than in silos, the sector will improve peer learning and policy reform.
“This training equips us to assess where we are, where we should be, and how to get there. It is already making an impact by moving us from paper-based reporting to technology-driven methods of documentation and story sharing,” she stressed.
Also speaking, Barrister Hapsat Abdullahi, Adamawa State Coordinator of RoLAC, said the training served two purposes: building the capacity of justice sector actors and reviewing ongoing projects aimed at decongesting correctional facilities.
“In May, we held a national training in Abuja where justice sector agencies across Nigeria were trained on project management, monitoring, and inter-agency cooperation. Today’s training is a step-down for Adamawa State stakeholders to replicate those lessons,” Abdullahi explained.
She revealed that beyond the training, the Justice Sector Reform Team has embarked on a mini-project to address the plight of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in the state.
Recent assessments showed many detainees have overstayed in custody, some facing minor charges like wandering or loitering, while their cases remain stagnant in court.
“Justice is tripartite—justice to the victim, justice to the offender, and justice to society. It is improper for individuals to remain behind bars for years without trial. Our committee is conducting assessments in Jimeta, Numan, Yola, and Mubi correctional centres. The findings will guide engagements with heads of agencies—the judiciary, police, and attorney general—to address gaps and accelerate dispensation of justice,” she said.
She emphasized that the reforms align with the broader agenda of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration to strengthen rule of law in the state.
The expected impact of the initiative, she said, includes stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved communication among justice institutions, and timely resolution of cases.
“Ultimately, victims of crimes, defendants, and society at large will benefit from a justice system that is more efficient, fair, and accountable,” Abdullahi added.
Participants at the training echoed these sentiments, stressing that the new tools introduced will ensure accurate data collection, enhance transparency, and provide evidence for policy reforms in Adamawa State’s justice sector.
One of the participants from the correctional center, Dr. Kenneth Amos noted that with the combined support of RoLAC and IDEA, the JSRT and ACJMC are now better positioned to pursue reforms that will not only decongest correctional centres but also foster citizens’ trust in the justice system.
