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Justice and Human Rights Nigeria Project #63830

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR 200 POOR INMATES IN 2024

by Headfort Foundation for Justice

Project Report | Nov 20, 2024
Progress Report for Free Legal Aid to Indigent Nigerians

By Oluwakemi Adenekan | Programs Manager

Beneficiary

Project Summary:

In 2024, our mission to secure justice for underserved individuals continues with a focus on providing free legal aid to 200 poor inmates across Correctional Centers in Nigeria. We are helping incarcerated individuals who lack the resources to afford legal representation.

Through a dedicated team of lawyers and strategic partnerships, we have already secured the release of 190 inmates. This project ensures that vulnerable individuals receive a fair chance at justice.

Progress Report

With your incredible support, we are proud to report significant progress in our Free Legal Assistance for 200 Poor Inmates in 2024 project. To date, we have secured the release of 190 inmates, many of whom had been unjustly detained or lacked legal representation due to financial hardship. Your donations have enabled us to provide free legal representation, cover court expenses, and conduct regular visits to correctional centers. We are now on the verge of achieving our target of 200 releases and remain hopeful that we will meet this goal with your continued partnership.

Impact Highlight: Gift's Story
Gift, a 54-year-old woman from Oshodi, Lagos, epitomizes the individuals whose lives have been transformed through this project. Gift operated a small beer parlor when, in October 2021, a notice pasted by the police changed her life forever.

Her neighbor, a school owner, accused her of breaching the peace because one of her customers allegedly assaulted the school owner's husband. Despite no direct involvement, Gift was arrested and detained for four days, violating her constitutional rights. She was arraigned in court, charged with an offense she did not commit, and granted bail under conditions she could barely afford.

For three years, Gift struggled without legal representation. Her case dragged on until March 2023, when she was referred to our team at the Justice Hub in Ogba Magistrate Court, Lagos State. Our lawyer took up her case, and after a rigorous defense and multiple adjournments, Gift was discharged and acquitted on October 10, 2024.

Gift's case underscores the deep injustices faced by many indigent individuals and highlights the importance of accessible legal assistance. Thanks to this project, she can now live her life free of the stigma and trauma of an unjust accusation.

Key Milestones Achieved

- 190 Inmates Released: Legal support was provided to individuals wrongly detained or unable to afford representation.
- Increased Awareness: Our regular visits to correctional facilities and engagement with the legal system have highlighted systemic issues and the need for reform.
- Community Trust: Stories like Gift's have inspired hope among families and communities affected by unjust detentions.

The Road Ahead
We are committed to achieving our goal of 200 releases in 2024. Your contributions have been instrumental in giving a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless. We are counting on your continued support to ensure justice is served for every poor inmate in need.

Thank You for Your Support!
Together, we are transforming lives and restoring faith in the justice system.

Beneficiary

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Jul 24, 2024
MID YEAR REPORT

By Oluwakemi Adenekan | Programs Manager

Mid year Impact report at a glance

Project Period: January 2024 - December 2024

Introduction

The Free Legal Assistance for 200 Poor Inmates in 2024 project aims to provide pro bono legal services to indigent and unjustly detained inmates across Nigeria. This initiative is part of our broader mission to promote justice, equity, and the rule of law. Our objective is to secure the release of 200 vulnerable inmates from Nigerian prisons by the end of 2024.

Achievements to Date

As of June 30, 2024, we have successfully secured the freedom of 106 individuals, surpassing the halfway mark of our annual target. These individuals were unjustly detained or lacked the financial means to secure legal representation. Our efforts have not only restored their freedom but also brought hope to their families and communities.

Case Highlights1. Abubakar's Story

Name: Abubakar
Age: 72
Condition: Severely ill
Occupation: Security Guard
Charges: Criminal Negligence

Abubakar, a 72-year-old man, worked as a security guard to support himself. Despite his age, he was committed to his job, which was his only source of income. Unfortunately, Abubakar was accused of negligence at his workplace, which allegedly led to the theft of several items. He was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal negligence.

Abubakar's case stood out due to his age and the harsh circumstances he faced. We provided him with free legal representation and worked tirelessly to secure his bail. Through diligent advocacy and legal strategy, we were able to prove his innocence and ensure the dismissal of the charges against him. Abubakar was eventually freed, allowing him to return to his life with dignity.

2. Olufemi's Story

Name: Olufemi
Condition: Severely Ill
Detention Period: 6 Months

Olufemi was another poignant case that highlighted the dire need for our services. He was detained without legal representation and was suffering from severe health issues. The lack of medical care in detention exacerbated his condition, putting his life at risk.

Recognizing the urgency of his situation, we intervened promptly, providing Olufemi with the necessary legal assistance. After six months of relentless efforts, we secured his release. Olufemi was finally reunited with his family, who were overjoyed to have him back. His case underscores the intersection of health and justice and the critical need for legal aid in such circumstances.

Impact and Future Goals

The impact of our project extends beyond the individuals we have helped. By securing the release of 106 inmates, we have alleviated the emotional and financial burden on their families and contributed to the decongestion of prisons. Our work has also raised awareness about the plight of unjustly detained individuals and the importance of legal representation for all.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to achieving our goal of assisting 200 individuals by the end of 2024. We will continue to provide free legal aid, advocate for the rights of vulnerable persons, and work towards systemic reforms to prevent unjust detentions.

This project has made significant strides in the first half of 2024. The stories of Abubakar and Olufemi are just two examples of the lives we have touched through our work. We are determined to sustain this momentum and reach our target, ensuring that more individuals receive the justice they deserve.

We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team, partners, and supporters who have made this progress possible. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and advancing the cause of justice in Nigeria.

beneficiaries photo

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