By Oluwakemi Adenekan | Project Manager
At the beginning of 2025, we set an ambitious target, to secure the release of 300 unjustly detained inmates across various correctional centres in Nigeria. Through the tireless work of our team of volunteer lawyers, court advocates, and case officers, we have made remarkable progress toward this goal.
As of October 2025, we have successfully secured the release of 156 inmates, representing 52% of our annual target. Each release represents not just freedom regained, but dignity restored, families reunited, and a renewed belief in the justice system.
Behind every number is a story and this one captures the heart of our mission.
On July 6, 2025, nine men — Oluwafemi, Adekunle, Jamiu, and six others — were arrested in Mushin, Lagos, though they were complete strangers. Each was going about his daily life before being arbitrarily picked up by law enforcement officers.
They were taken to SARS Ikeja, where they were beaten and coerced into signing false confessions to being cult members. The next day, they were charged at Ogba Magistrate Court 1 with conspiracy, unlawful society, and unlawful conduct.
Although bail was granted, five of them remained in Kirikiri Correctional Centre due to their inability to provide sureties. Headfort Foundation stepped in on September 16, 2025, after being referred by a court official. Our lawyers discovered clear human rights violations and took over their defense.
At the next hearing on October 30, 2025, the prosecution again failed to produce its witness. We objected to further delays, arguing that justice delayed is justice denied. The court agreed, struck out the matter, and ordered the immediate release of all five defendants.
Their freedom represents not just a legal victory, but a restoration of dignity and hope.
The story of Oluwafemi, Adekunle, and Jamiu is one of many that reflect why our work matters. With every unjust detention challenged and every life restored, we move closer to a justice system that upholds fairness, dignity, and human rights for all.
We remain deeply grateful to our supporters on GlobalGiving for standing with us in this mission to promote access to justice and freedom for those forgotten behind bars. Together, we are proving that justice truly begins with us
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