The Kano State Ministry of Justice, with support from UNICEF, has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Child Justice, Diversion and Accountability aimed at strengthening child-friendly justice services in the state.
The SOP was produced at the end of a two-day technical session themed “Strengthening Child Justice Through Diversion, Coordination and Accountability in Kano State.” The initiative seeks to promote evidence-based interventions, diversion programmes and restorative justice for children in conflict with the law.
Speaking at the event, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabir Maude (SAN), said the framework was designed to protect the rights of children and ensure investigations are conducted in a child-friendly manner without harassment or exploitation.
He said that where prosecution becomes necessary, restorative justice options would be prioritised to shield children from the harshness of conventional criminal proceedings.
“We developed this SOP to protect the rights of children. What is needed now is effective implementation. If society embraces these recommendations, we will build a peaceful society that respects children’s rights,” he said.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist in the Kano Field Office, Fatima Adamu, said the SOP aligns with the Kano State Child Protection Law 2023, which provides for diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law.
She explained that restorative justice focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment, enabling affected children to become responsible members of society.
According to her, the document will serve as a guide for justice sector institutions and requires collaboration with the judiciary, civil society organisations, religious leaders and traditional institutions for effective implementation.
UNICEF consultant Idris Bawa said the approximately 40-page document covers child justice, accountability and inter-agency coordination.
He added that once endorsed by the Chief Judge of Kano State, the SOP could serve as a judicial practice direction for all relevant agencies, while diversion programmes would help prevent children from being detained in adult correctional facilities.
Representing the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, the Walin Kano, Mahe Bashir Wali, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step towards protecting children’s rights.
He said the objective of child justice should be correction rather than punishment and pledged the support of traditional institutions in raising public awareness.
Earlier, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Justice, Salisu Tahir, described the workshop as a historic inter-agency effort to strengthen child justice in the state.
He said the initiative was inspired by a study visit by members of the Justice for Children Forum to diversion centres in Lagos, where they observed best practices that informed the development of the SOP for Kano State.
(The Whistler)
