Taraba Judiciary Unveils Fresh Sentencing Guidelines

Table of Contents

1. Announcement of the 2025 Sentencing Guidelines
2. The Sensitivity of Sentencing
3. Aim of the New Framework
4. Alignment with Modern Principles
5. Stakeholder Workshop Participation
6. Commitment to Justice Reforms

The Taraba State Judiciary, in collaboration with Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), has created and officially adopted the 2025 Sentencing Guidelines and Practice Directions, which are intended to enhance the delivery of justice in the state.

This announcement was made on Saturday by the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, during a one-day workshop for stakeholders focused on developing the new framework, held in Jalingo.

Justice Agya characterized sentencing as one of the most delicate and significant responsibilities of the judiciary, emphasizing that it signifies the court’s ultimate evaluation of justice, balancing societal interests, deterrence, rehabilitation, and the rights of the accused.

He cautioned that, without guidelines that are evidence-based and contextually relevant, sentencing could become inconsistent, unpredictable, and susceptible to public misunderstanding.

“Our goal is to create a framework that fosters consistency and fairness in sentencing, enhances transparency and public trust in the judiciary, and offers judicial officers clear benchmarks and tools to support their discretion,” he stated.

According to the Chief Judge, the new guidelines are tailored to align sentencing with contemporary criminal justice principles, reflect the unique characteristics of Taraba State, and complement ongoing reforms such as the revised Penal Code and Plea Bargain Guidelines.

Justice Agya expressed his pleasure with the wide representation at the workshop, which included magistrates, judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, security agencies, and civil society organizations, stating that this diversity would contribute to ensuring the guidelines are both comprehensive and practical.

He also praised PWAN and the MacArthur Foundation for their ongoing contributions to justice sector reform at both the state and national levels.

Earlier, PWAN Programme Officer, Mrs. Rebecca Balami, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting justice reforms across the nation. She indicated that the goal was to advance transparency, accountability, fairness, and inclusivity within the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

Balami urged stakeholders to give the project the attention it deserves to ensure effective sentencing guidelines and practice directions for the state. She also assured that PWAN, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, would continue to collaborate with the judiciary to guarantee efficient justice delivery.