By Emmanuel Iheaka

The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), in collaboration with the Community Justice Centre (CJC) Steering Committee and Nkemjika Development Foundation (NDF), has resolved 103 cases across communities in Imo State within one year.

The Nigeria Representative of HiiL, Ijeoma Nwafor, disclosed this during a press briefing in Owerri on Thursday.

Nwafor said 70 of the resolved cases were land disputes, while others involved family matters and domestic violence.

She explained that the centre received 185 cases during its pilot phase, successfully resolved 103, while 52 cases are still undergoing resolution.

According to her, the initiative had provided access to justice for more than 200 residents across different segments of society, including civil defence officers, teachers, farmers, traders, legal practitioners, traditional rulers and vulnerable minors.

She said several communities in the state had expressed interest in adopting the CJC model for resolving disputes.

Nwafor said the pilot phase, which was launched in Owerri, had now been concluded and formally handed over to the CJC Steering Committee as part of efforts towards scaling up and institutionalising the initiative under the Imo State Government.

“Over the course of the pilot, the CJC received 185 cases, successfully resolved 103, and currently has 52 cases active under resolution.

“Its services reached over 200 individuals representing a full cross-section of Imo State’s civic life, underscoring its role as a neutral and universally accessible justice mechanism,” she said.

She added that beyond direct dispute resolution, the centre also extended its activities through Justice Voice, a year-long radio programme that provided residents with information and practical guidance on preventing and resolving common justice challenges.

Nwafor said the transition marked a deliberate move towards ensuring sustainability, with the multi-sectoral Steering Committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and community groups taking over strategic oversight of the centre.

Speaking, Chairman of the CJC Steering Committee and traditional ruler of Egbelu Obube Autonomous Community, Eze Jude Nwaogu, said the initiative was also focused on preventing community disputes through proactive engagement.

Eze Nwaogu expressed delight that communities across the state were embracing the CJC model, adding that the approach would help promote peace and strengthen access to justice.