In a remarkable display of legal advocacy and commitment to criminal justice reform, Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, the esteemed Chairman of the Governing Board of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), joined forces with members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Abuja Branch to provide pro bono legal aid to detainees at the Kuje Correctional Centre on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
The joint visit was part of the activities organised by the FIDA Abuja Branch to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. Mr. Erojikwe and the FIDA members met with officials and inmates, addressing legal queries, offering guidance, and providing assistance to convicted and detained persons.
During their visit, Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe’s expertise and dedication to justice were on full display as he secured the release of seven individuals who had been convicted with the option of paying a fine. Simultaneously, the FIDA Abuja members demonstrated their unwavering commitment to empowering women by securing the release of two female detainees.
“Access to justice is a fundamental human right, and it is our responsibility as legal professionals to ensure that this right is upheld for all, regardless of their circumstances,” stated Mr. Erojikwe. “Our visit to the Kuje Correctional Centre is a testament to our commitment to reforming the criminal justice system and ensuring that every individual receives fair and equal treatment under the law.”
Mr. Erojikwe’s advocacy for criminal justice reform in Nigeria has been longstanding and resolute. At a law clinic organized by the Young Lawyers Forum of the NBA Benin Branch in February 2024, he passionately challenged legal practitioners to take the lead in driving reform, fighting for speedy justice delivery, reducing delays in the legal process, and making the system work for all Nigerians.
The NBA-ICLE, under Mr. Erojikwe’s leadership, has been at the forefront of legal education and capacity building in Nigeria. In April 2023, lawyers across the country commended the NBA-ICLE for organising an intensive 12-day training on criminal litigation, which highlighted novel provisions contained in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws in different states. The training drew an attendance of more than 5,500 participants from NBA branches nationwide, underscoring the legal community’s thirst for knowledge and commitment to staying abreast of legal developments.
As the visit concluded, Mr. Erojikwe and the FIDA Abuja members left the Kuje Correctional Centre with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to continue their efforts in ensuring access to justice for all Nigerians, particularly those who find themselves on the fringes of society.