NBA Human Rights Institute, Legal Aid Partner on Plight of Vulnerable

*Offers free legal services and food items to correctional center inmates

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI), in conjunction with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), has stepped in to assist vulnerable persons in the country, particularly those in need of legal services.

As part of activities marking the 2025 International Human Rights Day, the two bodies jointly visited the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, and the Kuje Custodial Center, FCT, to learn how they can support prison decongestion and related initiatives.

Additionally, the two organisations held a health walk to promote legal awareness and provide pro bono services to indigent Nigerians.

Speaking during the visit, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, noted that many inmates at the Kuje Custodial Center have acquired commercial skills that enable them to support themselves after release, thereby reducing recidivism.

The NBA-HRI and LACON, during their visit to the Kuje Custodial Center, were given a tour of the facility by the Officer-in-Charge to help them understand the conditions of the inmates and the environment.

The team, however, commended the center for offering a range of skills-acquisition programs, including carpentry, tailoring, barbing, digital skills, and fish farming.

Meanwhile, a list of Awaiting Trial Persons was shared with the team. Following this, LACON members interviewed some inmates awaiting trial without legal representation and offered legal assistance and counseling as needed.

In addition to food items, personal effects were donated to the center.

In addition to visiting the correctional center, the group embarked on a health walk that served not only as a fitness and awareness activity but also as part of broader national efforts to highlight the importance of safeguarding human rights and strengthening justice systems for all.

During the public awareness campaign, the LACON team engaged with the public, providing legal assistance and counselling to vulnerable individuals.

While the NBA Human Rights Institute team was led by the NBA First Vice President, Sabastine Anyia, that of LACON was led by the Head of the Custodial Centre Decongestion Unit, Mr Oliver Chukwuma, who represented the Director-General of LACON.