Victims Under Restorative Justice Systems: The Afikpo (Ehugbo) Nigeria Model

Abstract

Unlike victims in the modem Nigerian criminal justice system, victims of crime under the Afikpo indigenous systems of conflict resolution are the focus of justice processes. Victims, offenders, and their families, as well as the general community, are involved in defining harm and repair. All parties acknowledge the emotional and material loss of the victim. Offenders and their families are held responsible for the victim's injury. Offenders are persuaded to pay restitution to victims. They also apologize to the victim, his/her family and the community. In sum, the goal of justice is therefore the reparation of harm done to victims and communities by offenders. Appropriate support is accorded victims and their families by the community.