Legal aid and resources
These organisations offer free or low-cost help for detainees and their families. You may contact any of them directly.
Emergency
If you believe someone is in immediate danger of harm in custody, contact the National Human Rights Commission or a trusted human rights lawyer without delay.
Call NHRC helplineFeatured referral partners
You do not have to act alone. Reach out to any of these partners for free or low-cost help.
Legal Aid Council of Nigeria
Government agency providing free legal representation to indigent Nigerians.
Headfort Foundation
Pro bono legal assistance for indigent detainees across Nigeria.
Hope Behind Bars Africa
Access to justice and rehabilitation support for detainees and their families.
Legal aid organisations
Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON)
Federal agency providing free legal representation to indigent Nigerians, including detainees in police custody and awaiting trial.
Coverage: Nationwide, all 36 states + FCT
LEDAP - Legal Defence and Assistance Project
Human-rights NGO providing pro-bono representation for detainees, women and children in conflict with the law.
Coverage: Nationwide focal offices
Nigerian Bar Association - Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL)
NBA committee coordinating pro-bono lawyers for human rights, detention and criminal justice matters.
Coverage: Every NBA branch nationwide
CLEEN Foundation
Research and advocacy on policing, detention conditions and access to justice; refers cases to partner lawyers.
Coverage: Abuja, Lagos, Enugu
Access to Justice
Legal-reform NGO supporting detainees and their families with representation and monitoring of detention conditions.
Coverage: Nationwide, Lagos HQ
Prisoners' Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
Supports pre-trial detainees and released prisoners with legal aid, welfare and reintegration services.
Coverage: Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Kano
Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (Partners West Africa Nigeria)
Monitors detention facilities, tracks awaiting-trial cases and connects families to lawyers.
Coverage: Nationwide
Nigeria Human Rights Commission (NHRC) - Complaints Desk
Statutory body that receives complaints of unlawful detention and human-rights abuses and can refer for legal representation.
Coverage: Nationwide, offices in every state
Public Defender - Lagos State Ministry of Justice (OPD)
Free legal representation for indigent residents of Lagos, including detainees at police stations and correctional centres.
Coverage: Lagos State
Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS)
NGO offering strategic litigation and pro-bono legal aid in detention and fundamental rights cases.
Coverage: Nationwide
Registered lawyers (0)
Are you a lawyer? RegisterKnow your rights
- Every person in custody has the right to legal representation.
- Detainees must be brought before a court within a reasonable time.
- Family members have the right to know where a relative is being held.
- Torture and inhumane treatment are prohibited under Nigerian law.