Beyond Legal Aid
The weight of abandonment pressed down on Mrs. A.L. like a cold wind. In January 2024, she and her two young children – just 4 and 2 years old, were forced out of their Abuja home. Her husband, Mr. I.L., had declared that his family had found him a “better wife.” After years of abuse and a failed reconciliation, his threats escalated – reaching a breaking point when he gave away their children’s wardrobe. Left homeless and vulnerable, Mrs. A.L. and her children spent the night in a government hospital in Karshi – a place of last resort for those with nowhere else to go.
Despite attempts at mediation, her suffering did not end. In February 2024, she found temporary shelter at her mother’s home, but Mr. I.L. escalated his attacks. He cut off child support, defamed her character, and demanded a refund of his bride price in exchange for returning her personal documents. With no legal means to reclaim her possessions, or protect herself from harassment, she found herself trapped. In desperation, she reached out to AWJAI.
Recognising the urgency of her situation, AWJAI took immediate action. We assigned a lawyer to initiate divorce proceedings, paving the way towards a legal separation and a fresh start. We also supported her in filing a formal petition with the FCT Police Command, demanding the retrieval of her seized belongings.
At AWJAI, our mission goes beyond legal aid – We stand for justice, dignity, and empowerment. For Mrs. A.L., our intervention was more than legal support – it was a lifeline. It meant hope in the face of despair, a promise of justice, and the chance to rebuild her life and secure a future for her children.
Her fight is not just hers alone. It is a testament to the resilience of survivors and the power of justice to restore dignity.
