By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has provided free legal representation to over 5,595 detainees, as part of efforts to address poor access to justice in Nigeria.
Mrs Lucy Abagi, Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, stated this in Abuja at the centre’s Law for Humanity Summit 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports PPDC is a non-governmental organisation and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government.
The theme of the 2025 PPDC’s summit is: “The Quintessential Pro Bono Lawyer: Providing Value Without Compromising Professional Standards”.
Abagi said that 164 of those detainees regained their freedom after years of detention, adding that the organisation was able to provide such services through the efforts of its dedicated pro-bono lawyers.
She noted that the summit aimed to tackle the excessive use of pre-trial detention in Nigeria regarded as one of the most persistent challenges in the criminal justice system.
According to her, across Nigeria, thousands of citizens remain in custodial centre awaiting trial, some for months, others for years, often for minor offences.
She said the organisation had taken bold, evidence-based steps through its Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project, Phase II (RPDN II), initiative to reverse the trend.
“We trained over 330 clinicians from 10 law faculties, engaged over 200 pro-bono lawyers and 50 police duty solicitors to provide specialised legal representation for indigent Nigerians.
“The 50 young lawyers who serve as police duty solicitors across 50 police stations in five states have provided legal representation for 15,314 and secured bail for 8,552 arrested Nigerians.
“Each of these figures represents not just progress, but people’s lives saved, restored, families reunited, and faith in justice renewed,” Abagi stated.
She further explained that PPDC was able to record this success through RPDN II, a cornerstone initiative funded and supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented in collaboration with key justice stakeholders.
She, then, called for more collaboration among the governments and private sector to enhance access to justice in Nigeria.
“We must strengthen our advocacy for greater institutional support, sustainable funding, and deeper collaboration among the bar, the bench, development partners, and the private sector.
“The truth is that justice cannot thrive on goodwill alone. It requires commitment, structure, and resources.
“If we truly want to build a fair and inclusive justice system, then, we must invest in those who give their time, their energy, and their expertise freely, in service to others.
“This summit is not just a reflection on what has been done, it is a call to what remains to be achieved,” Abagi added.
On his part, the Director-General, Legal Aid Council, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, commended PPDC for the initiative, saying that the summit would enhance legal services and access to justice in Nigeria.
Represented by Bamidele Ibikunle, Special Assistant, Office of the DG, Abubakar assured of the council’s continued cooperation to achieve legal service advancements in Nigeria.
Also, the keynote speaker, Prof. Akinola Bukola, underscored the need to promote pro-bono service as a necessity, not a luxury, emphasising on “catch them young” initiatives through clinical operations.
Bukola also recommended improved funding for pro-bono services and amended guidelines for judicial appointments to include pro-bono work. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola, Rotimi Ijikanmi
