Nigeria’s justice system faces a crisis that affects thousands each year. More than 70% of the country’s correctional population are pretrial detainees, with nearly a quarter held for over a year before seeing a courtroom. This staggering backlog reveals a system struggling to manage cases efficiently, resulting in prolonged confinement for many. But Olufunke Adeoye has embarked on a journey to change this narrative.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the average time spent in pretrial detention is nearly four years, with some individuals, like Sikuru Alade, held for over nine years without trial. Such cases highlight the urgent need for reform.
The poor suffer the most from this broken system, experiencing rights violations at every stage—from arrest to imprisonment. Lacking financial resources for bail, bribes, or legal support, many find themselves trapped in a seemingly inescapable cycle. This situation has led to overcrowded correctional facilities and an overwhelming backlog of cases, worsening conditions for those incarcerated.
Upon release, former inmates encounter new obstacles. Many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with detention records, making it difficult for them to find work and reintegrate into society. Without a stable income, they remain vulnerable to ongoing economic hardships and are at higher risk of reoffending. The impact affects their families and communities, perpetuating cycles of hardship.
Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) is a leading advocate for justice reform and human rights to address these challenges. Under the leadership of Oluwafunke Adeoye, the organisation provides critical support to indigent pretrial detainees. Through legal aid, advocacy, research, and technology, HBBA tirelessly seeks justice for them.
Adeoye began her work by providing legal support to individuals in the Federal Capital Territory, but her team has since expanded to multiple states, assisting hundreds of people. This effort has highlighted the socio-economic challenges many incarcerated individuals face, particularly women, who often continue to support their families even while imprisoned. This understanding led to targeted programmes to help these detainees beyond prison walls.
HBBA’s impactful programs include Made in Corrections, which equips women inmates with vocational skills to sustain themselves and their families upon release. Another initiative, Back on Track, provides training and resources to former inmates, helping them find new opportunities and reintegrate into society with greater stability.
The impact of HIBBA can be seen in the case of Christian John. After spending five years awaiting trial for armed robbery without access to legal representation, he received free support from the organisation, which secured his release in just one court appearance. Today, the exoneree has successfully reintegrated, working to support his family and rebuild his life.
To date, HBBA has represented over 625 indigent pretrial detainees, significantly reducing their time in confinement and saving taxpayers money. Beyond legal assistance, the organisation also provides essential supplies to correctional centres and advocates for decriminalising minor offences contributing to overcrowding.
With over 1.2 million hours of pro bono legal service, HBBA has supported over 8,500 persons and trained over 515 incarcerated women in practical skills. Their efforts reduce the strain on Nigeria’s justice system and offer detainees a chance to start anew. By addressing the root causes of injustice, they are building a more equitable society.
