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Doing Justice Without the State: The Afikpo (Ehugbo) – Nigeria Model

Elechi, O. Oko
June 4, 2015

Source: (1999) Ph.D. dissertation, School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University.

The Afikpo community conflict resolution model is examined as an alternative system of justice in South-East Nigeriaxe2x80xa6. A major finding of this study is that the Afikpo model is victim-centeredxe2x80xa6 Further, the Afikpo community conflict resolution model is inclusive and seeks to address the interests of all parties to the conflict. The social solidarity and humane emphasis of the system is reflected in the treatment of offenders. The institutions of social control are formal agents of resocialization, hence providing offenders support through teaching and healing. The offender must first acknowledge the wrong, then, show remorse, shame, and accountability through reparation and expiation.
This study is grounded in theories of restorative justice and other concepts of African justice. Inquiries into state, state/society and postcolonial state theories are undertaken to further illuminate this phenomenon of an alternative conflict resolution model. Being an exploratory study, several qualitative research methods were utilized. They include participant observation, oral history, in-person and focus group interviews of 40 men and 15 women. Authorxe2x80x99s abstract.

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AbstractAfricaCourtsIndigenous JusticePolicePrisonsRestorative PracticesRJ and the WorkplaceRJ in SchoolsRJ OfficeTeachers and StudentsVictim Support
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