Access to Justice for the Poor.
At AWJAI, we believe that access to justice for the poor is not just an ideal – it is a necessity. justice should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy, it must be a right afforded to all, regardless of financial status. That’s why, on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM, two brothers—Mr. AH and Mr. SH—walked out of Suleja Medium Correctional Centre as free men.
Convicted at the Jiwa Magistrate Court for a crime they insist they did not commit, the brothers allege they were coerced into confessions by the police. With no legal representation and no money to pay the fines imposed as an alternative to incarceration, they had spent two long months in prison. Their situation reflects a painful reality – many underprivileged individuals are trapped in a system where justice is inaccessible.
AWJAI Stepped In
Moved by their plight, AWJAI took action —providing legal support, covering the fines, and ultimately securing their freedom. But our intervention didn’t stop there at the prison gates. To give them a true second chance, we helped renew their driver’s licenses—essential tools for their livelihoods as trained drivers. We also supported Mr. SH in securing a job at a local school, allowing him to rebuild his life with dignity and hope.
This is not just the story of two brothers. It’s a window into the lives of thousands of others who remain behind bars simply because they cannot afford justice. It is a story that reflects the need for access to justice for the poor in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. At AWJAI, we are committed to fighting for justice, one life at a time.
