Chief Judge Josiah Majebi of Kogi State warned trained convicts to shun crime during a meeting at the judiciary headquarters in Lokoja. The judge met with ex-convicts who completed a three-month training program arranged by the Idewole Foundation. He urged the convicts to use their new solar installation skills to build honest livelihoods and avoid bad influences that could send them back to prison.
The judge stressed that these convicts must now embrace responsible living. He challenged them to stay away from criminal activities and warned that reoffending would lead to harsher consequences. The ex convicts received N300,000 each as startup capital after the training. The funding was routed through the judiciary to ensure proper management and accountability. The Chief Judge said he expects the convicts to transform their lives by applying the skills they acquired and shunning any temptation to return to crime.
Kogi authorities hope the initiative will reduce recidivism. Community leaders and parents must also support these individuals. The Idewole Foundation worked closely with the Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary to secure the convicts’ release after paying their judgment fines. The foundation then enrolled the convicts in the training program to equip them with vocational skills. One trained convict said he felt motivated to build a better future after the program.
The Deputy Chief Registrar of the High Court in Kogi praised the initiative. He noted that the convicts showed remarkable improvement during training. However, some ex convicts still face challenges. One teenager’s parents refused to claim him after release, leaving his aunt to care for him. The judge urged families to take responsibility and support the convicts in their rehabilitation.
The Chief Judge reiterated that the program is a step toward breaking the cycle of crime. He called on all ex convicts to embrace the chance to start anew and help improve community safety in Kogi. The initiative aims to transform lives and foster a safer, more productive society.
