On Thursday, April 10th, 2025, The Sunshine Series joined a powerful journalist briefing in Abuja focused on capital punishment in Nigeria and broader issues in criminal justice. The event was hosted by Hope Behind Bars Africa, in partnership with the Australian High Commission Nigeria and other stakeholders dedicated to media development and justice reform.
This briefing brought together journalists, human rights advocates, lawyers, and psychologists. Its goal was to strengthen how the media covers capital punishment and justice-related stories, with accuracy, empathy, and depth. It also encouraged meaningful cross-sector collaboration and learning.
Calum Walker from the Australian High Commission opened the session. He emphasized the media’s vital role in shaping public understanding of justice issues. Importantly, he called for ethical and sensitive reporting, especially when covering the death penalty.
Next, Funke Adeoye, founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, delivered a powerful global overview of capital punishment. Drawing from her 13 years of legal experience, she explained how many countries are now moving away from the death penalty. Her presentation placed Nigeria in a global context, making a clear case for reform.
Angela Uwandu from Avocats Sans Frontières took a deeper dive into Nigeria’s justice system. Through real-life case examples, she highlighted both legal challenges and social debates surrounding the death penalty. Her session helped participants grasp the complex reality of capital punishment in Nigeria.
Trauma and Justice: A Human-Centered Lens
One of the most transformative sessions was titled “Capital Punishment and Trauma: The Need for Trauma-Informed Reporting.” Judith-Ada Chiroma, representing The Sunshine Series, stepped in for founder Aisha Bubah to lead the discussion.
She focused on the psychological impact of capital punishment on victims’ families and individuals facing execution. Her session combined emotional depth with active participation. Attendees engaged in a case study-based activity, exploring how storytelling can be reimagined through empathy, dignity, and context.
Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive. Journalists shared a renewed sense of responsibility, recognizing the emotional weight their reporting carries for real people.
Beyond the Briefing: Building Stories That Matter
Bisi Abidoye, Features Editor at Premium Times, closed the event with an interactive story lab. Journalists brainstormed ideas that would turn insights from the briefing into impactful pitches. From human-centered features to investigative series, the enthusiasm for deeper, more ethical storytelling was clear.
Key Takeaways
- Media as a Catalyst: Journalists are not just storytellers. They can drive real reform by influencing public opinion and policy through thoughtful reporting.
- Trauma-Informed Reporting is Essential: Understanding trauma, of both sources and subjects, should be part of every journalist’s toolkit.
- Collaboration Matters: Change happens when media, civil society, mental health experts, and policymakers work together.
This journalist briefing marked a key moment in reframing how we tell stories about justice and capital punishment in Nigeria. For The Sunshine Series, it reaffirmed our mission to build a trauma-informed media ecosystem, one that centers human dignity and the ethics of care.
We’re proud to have contributed to this timely and necessary conversation. If you’re a journalist interested in trauma-informed reporting or want to collaborate with us on future programs, reach out at admin@thesunshineseriesng.com.
