In Nigeria, the justice system is often a prison in itself, especially for the most vulnerable. Thousands of inmates languish behind bars, many for crimes they never committed. Caught in the web of a broken legal system, these individuals are not criminals but victims—arrested based on suspicion, detained without trial, and forgotten by a system poisoned by corruption, lawlessness, police brutality, and nepotism.
For those without the means to pay bribes, the promise of justice becomes an illusion. Many spend years in overcrowded cells, awaiting trials that may never happen. Their freedom is stolen, and their lives are put on hold simply because they can’t afford legal representation.
Oluyemi Orija, a lawyer with over a decade of experience in civil, corporate, commercial, personal injury, and real estate law could no longer stand by and watch. The injustice infuriated her—seeing people locked away indefinitely without even being given the chance to prove their innocence struck a deep chord. This rage, coupled with empathy, led her to act.
With a law degree from Ekiti State University and a master’s degree from the University of South Wales, Orija decided to fight for the voiceless. In 2019, she founded the Headfort Foundation, an organization committed to restoring access to justice and advocating for the rights of Nigeria’s most marginalized citizens. Her mission began with a simple but powerful question: Why should the poor suffer because they can’t afford a lawyer?
Orija restores justice one case at a time
Since its inception, the Headfort Foundation has evolved into a nationwide movement, partnering with communities, government agencies, and human rights organisations to bring justice to those trapped within the system. For Oluyemi Orija, the goal is not just courtroom victories—it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and fairness.
Through its work, Headfort provides free legal representation to defenceless inmates. The foundation also raises public awareness, teaching people their rights and how to navigate the legal system. So far, they have educated more than 2 million Nigerians about human rights, using translated handbooks in the four major indigenous languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin.
With the help of 20 female lawyers and over 200 volunteers, Headfort has secured the release of more than 600 awaiting-trial inmates, reuniting families and giving former prisoners a second chance at life. The organisation has also offered legal aid to over 12,000 indigent Nigerians, working in 12 correctional facilities and collaborating with 104 law enforcement agents to foster reform.
Scaling impact through technology and partnerships
To scale their efforts, the Headfort Foundation launched an app that connects victims with pro bono lawyers, ensuring that even more people can access justice. The foundation’s presence has now expanded across three states in Nigeria, supported by partnerships with legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and civil society organizations.
The foundation’s work has not gone unnoticed. Al Jazeera, BBC Africa, and The Guardian UK have all documented their impact. In 2021, Oluyemi Orija was recognised as one of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women. In 2022, Nas Daily honoured her as the “kindest lawyer in the world.”
Orija pioneers a movement for justice
The reformer’s work doesn’t stop with the foundation. She also leads Headfort Chambers, a thriving law firm in Lagos, balancing private practice with public advocacy. But her vision goes far beyond the courtroom. Her dream is to build a nationwide movement that addresses wrongful incarceration at its root.
For Oluyemi Orija, justice is not just about setting inmates free but ensuring that fair justice becomes a reality for all. When the system fails, the Headfort Foundation steps in. With her relentless passion and commitment to justice, she is not just changing lives—she’s changing the narrative of justice in Nigeria.
