The Kano State Justice for Children Coordination Forum has recorded the successful diversion of 24 children through its member agencies in July.
Chairman of the Forum, who also serves as the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Justice, Salisu Tahir, disclosed this while briefing the media, Thursday, after the Forum’s Monthly Meeting.
He was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice Kano, Abdullahi Ibrahim Muhammad, who explained that the Forum achieved this success through its Monthly Progress Report on Diversion Cases.
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He noted that the member agencies include the Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, Nigeria Police, LACON, Ministry of Women Affairs, National Human Rights Commission, Kano State Hisbah Board, Ministry of Education, Traditional And Religious Leaders, CSOs, Media among others.
He further clarified that of the 24 children diverted last month, 18 were recorded by the Ministry of Justice Kano, while 6 were recorded by the Kano State Hisbah Board.
The Solicitor General explained that the 18 cases documented by the Ministry of Justice were received from four magistrates assigned to juvenile matters.
Regarding the 6 cases recorded by the Hisbah Board, he noted that 3 children were repatriated, 2 were transferred to the Police, and 1 was released unconditionally.
The Chairman pointed that the diversion program for children in contact with the law is a way to guide them away from formal court trials and punishment, and instead help them through education, counseling, and community service so they can learn from mistakes without carrying a criminal record.
He added that the program focuses on rehabilitation and giving young people a second chance rather than punishment.
The program is being supported by the Kano State Ministry of Justice and funded by UNICEF Kano Field Office to strengthen access to child-friendly justice services based on international justice standards for children in contact with the law, through evidence-based interventions focus on Diversion and Restorative Justice.