Abuja: Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has provided free legal representation to over 5,595 detainees as part of its efforts to improve access to justice in Nigeria. Mrs Lucy Abagi, Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, announced this during the centre’s Law for Humanity Summit 2025.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, PPDC is a non-governmental organisation and social enterprise committed to promoting transparency and accountability in government. The 2025 summit, themed ‘The Quintessential Pro Bono Lawyer: Providing Value Without Compromising Professional Standards’, highlighted the challenges and successes of providing pro-bono legal services in Nigeria.
Abagi revealed that 164 detainees regained their freedom after years of detention, attributing this success to the dedicated efforts of pro-bono lawyers. The summit focused on addressing the excessive use of pre-trial detention, a significant issue in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Thousands of citizens remain in custody awaiting trial, often for extended periods and for minor offences.
PPDC’s Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project, Phase II (RPDN II), has been instrumental in reversing this trend. The initiative trained over 330 clinicians from 10 law faculties, engaged over 200 pro-bono lawyers, and involved 50 police duty solicitors to provide specialised legal representation for indigent Nigerians. These efforts resulted in legal representation for 15,314 individuals and secured bail for 8,552 arrested Nigerians.
Abagi emphasized that these figures represent more than just progress; they signify restored lives, reunited families, and renewed faith in justice. The success of RPDN II was made possible by funding and support from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), in collaboration with key justice stakeholders.
She called for increased collaboration among governments and the private sector to enhance access to justice in Nigeria. Abagi stressed that justice requires commitment, structure, and resources, urging investment in those who provide their expertise freely in service of justice.
The Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, commended PPDC for its initiative, highlighting the summit’s potential to enhance legal services in Nigeria. Represented by Bamidele Ibikunle, Special Assistant, Office of the DG, Abubakar assured continued cooperation to advance legal services.
Keynote speaker Prof. Akinola Bukola emphasized the necessity of pro-bono service, advocating for ‘catch them young’ initiatives through clinical operations. Bukola also recommended improved funding for pro-bono services and amendments to judicial appointment guidelines to include pro-bono work.