Taraba Stakeholders Trained In Criminal Justice System, Plea Bargain

Taraba State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law Empowerment Initiative, Partners West Africa (PWAN), has trained key stakeholders in criminal justice implementation of plea bargain guidelines to strengthen justice delivery in the state.

The training workshop for 2026, in Jalingo was supported by the MacArthur Foundation, and aimed at enhancing stakeholders’ capacity for the effective application of plea bargaining within Taraba’s criminal justice system.

The attorney-general and commissioner for Justice, Mr Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN), said the initiative was designed to reinforce justice sector reforms and ensure efficient case management.

Represented by the acting solicitor-general, Mr Sunday Maikarfi, he said although plea bargain implementation had commenced in the state, further capacity building was necessary for optimal results.

He commended PWAN and the MacArthur Foundation for their collaboration and sustained support in strengthening the criminal justice system, through targeted training and institutional reforms.

The programme officer of PWAN, Mrs. Rebecca Balami, said the organisation remains committed to enhancing citizens’ participation, improving security governance and strengthening protection systems across Nigeria and West Africa.

According to her, PWAN recognises that communities affected by insecurity, weak governance and human rights violations require interventions that safeguard lives, dignity and access to justice.

She added that, the organisation adopts a humanitarian sensitive approach to ensure reforms address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Balami expressed appreciation for the constructive inputs provided during the review of the draft guidelines developed last year by the Rule of Law Empowerment Initiative with support from the MacArthur Foundation.

She said stakeholders’ engagement had strengthened the quality of the guidelines and demonstrated institutional commitment to accountability and fair criminal justice administration in Taraba State.