By: Martins Abochol
The Taraba State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Rule of Law Empowerment Initiative, Partners West Africa (PWAN) has trained justice and criminal Justice stakeholders in the Implementation of plea bargain guidelines in Taraba State.
The Two Day Training Workshop for 2026 held in Jalingo on Tuesday is supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
The Taraba State Mr Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN) Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, while declaring the event open, said the training was designed to strengthen justice delivery in the state.
Represented by Mr Sunday Maikarfi, Acting Solicitor General of the state said though plea bargain implementation had commenced in the state, stakeholders are required to be bequeathed with more capacity to ensure its effective implementation in the state.
He appreciated PWAN as well as the MacArthur Foundation for their collaboration and support to achieve the goal of capacity building for stakeholders in the criminal Justice system.
In her remark, Mrs Rebecca Balami, Programme Officer of the PWAN said the NGO is dedicated in enhancing citizens participation, improving security governance and strengthening protection systems across Nigeria and West Africa.
” PWAN works recognize communities affected by insecurity, big governments and Human Rights violations which require interventions that safeguard lives, dignity and access to justice delivery.
“Our approach integrates humanitarian sensitivity ensuring that the reforms and security governance efforts address the needs of the vulnerable population.
“We remain grateful for the careful review of constructive inputs provided in the draft plea bargain guidelines that was developed by the Rule of Law Empowerment Initiative with the support from MacArthur Foundation last year.
“Your engagement has not only strengthened the quality of the guidelines but also demonstrated the institutional commitment to the justice sector reforms and accountability in the promotion of fair and efficient criminal Justice administration in Taraba State.
“This workshop provides an important platform to deepen our collective understanding of the guidelines align to practical application and to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are well equipped to implement it effectively,”
In his goodwill message, Justice Joel Agya, Chief Judge of Taraba State said the plea bargain, when properly applied, would enhance judicial efficiency.
Justice Agya added that the direction would reduce delays and promote restitution as well as reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
“This workshop represents a significant step towards strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Taraba State through the effective use of plea bargaining as a lawful, transparent, and efficient tool for case management and justice delivery.
” I commend the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, Partners West Africa in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Justice and other criminal justice stakeholders, for initiating this capacity-building engagement.
” Continuous training and stakeholder collaboration remain essential to translating policy and guidelines into meaningful practice.
“To ensure the effective and ethical implementation of plea bargains within our criminal justice system, the Taraba State Judiciary remains committed to reforms that uphold the rule of law, protect rights, and enhance the quality of justice delivery."
The training drew relevant stakeholders from the criminal Justice system such as; the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Correctional Service and the National Human Rights Commission.
Others include ; Legal Aid Council, Nigerian Bar Association, Ministry of Justice, State High Court, FIDA, amongst others.
