The Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) in partnership with Hope Behind Bars Africa, recently launched the Justice Project 2025, an initiative aimed at providing free legal services to indigent inmates and securing justice for those unlawfully detained.
As part of the project, the team visited Kuje Correctional Facility on February 14, 2025, led by NBA-YLF Chairman Timothy Clement. During the visit, the lawyers engaged in one-on-one interactions with inmates, identifying cases where legal intervention was urgently needed. The team took up multiple cases, focusing particularly on individuals who could not afford legal representation and had been fined but lacked the financial means to pay. Recognizing the immediate need for action, the team resolved to return to the facility to follow up and ensure the fines are settled in court, securing the release of affected inmates.
A major highlight of the event was also the official launch of the YLF Pro Bono Clinic across the federation. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to institutionalize free legal representation for indigent persons, ensuring that no one is denied justice due to financial constraints. The Pro Bono Clinic will serve as a sustainable platform for young lawyers to contribute meaningfully to society by advocating for the rights of vulnerable individuals.
The Justice Project, is also being undertaken by various YLF branches nationwide, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of young lawyers to justice, equality, and human dignity.
The efforts at Kuje Correctional Facility further underscore the importance of legal aid, judicial reform, and the fight against prolonged detention without trial. As the follow-up process continues, the National Chairman charged branches to continue with the drive till the 28th of February, 2025. The initiative stands as a testament to the power of legal advocacy in transforming lives.