FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR 300 POOR INMATES IN 2026

PROJECT SUMMARY

Over the years, our mission has been to secure justice for poor inmates across correctional centers in Nigeria. With that in view, we have a goal of providing free legal aid to 300 inmates behind bars this year. We provide legal assistance to incarcerated inmates who lack the necessary resources for legal representation.

With our team of dedicated lawyers and partners in developments, we have secured the release of 30 inmates in the first quarter of this year. This project gives vulnerable inmates a fair chance at justice.

PROGRESS REPORT

We are proud to report tangible progress in our Free Legal Assistance for 300 Poor Inmates in 2025 project, all thanks to you. In the first quarter of this year, we have been able to attain 10% of our goal for this year. Your donations have enabled us to provide free legal representations, cover court expenses and conduct visits to correctional centers. The year seems to be off to a great start with this figure, and we are quite hopeful that we will be able to hit a major percentage in the coming quarter of this year.

IMPACT HIGHLIGHT

Ella, a younger man from Benue state was arrested in Lagos on the 19th of June 2023 and detained at Pen Cinema Police Station for 2 months unlawfully without being charged to court. After two months without bail, he was charged to court for stealing, breaking and entering.

On the 11th of August 2023, he was arraigned before the Magistrate Court, and after pleading not guilty, the court granted him bail for the sum of 1 million Naira with 2 sureties. However, due to financial constraints, he was unable to perfect his bail and was subsequently remanded at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Facility. Ella was referred to one of our justice hubs on the 16th of November 2023 where we took up his case to provide him with free legal representation. while interrogating Ella, our lawyer found out that the statement he allegedly wrote at the police station where he was arrested was not written by him, but by the Investigative Police Officer.
On the 27th of February 2025 after trial, the court delivered its judgement in favour of Ella. Ella was discharged and acquitted on the ground that there was no evidence linking him to the crime and the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Ella spent 2 years in prison unlawfully.

While Ella’s story may be not so unique, there are many locked away from society for no just cause.

KEY MILESTONES

- 30 Inmates Released: Legal aid was made available to individuals wrongly detained or unable to afford representation in court.

- Increased Awareness: Our regular visits to correctional facilities and engagement with the legal system have highlighted systemic issues and the need for reform.

THE ROAD AHEAD

This project continues to make strides in its mission to provide legal assistance to those who need it most. While significant progress has been made, there are still many individuals awaiting support. Through continued efforts and contributions, we aim to secure justice and freedom for 300 inmates. With you, we can do more.