Headfort Foundation Celebrates 500 Freshly Released Inmates

Headfort Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing free and easy access to justice to indigent and wrongly incarcerated inmates, victims of police brutality, and minor offenders, is making waves in the Nigerian legal landscape with its trailblazing work.

The organization has successfully secured the release of 500 inmates from prison since its inception in 2019 and has not only provided them with free legal representation but also ensured the beneficiaries are provided back-to-school programs, skill-acquisition programs, psychosocial support, and successful reentry into society.

Headfort Foundation’s mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to justice. The organization’s efforts have helped to decongest correctional centres that are filled with 80% of Awaiting Trial inmates and have brought justice to those who were wrongly imprisoned.

Headfort Foundation’s work cuts across all 36 states of Nigeria, with its head office in Lagos State. The organization is powered by a team of excellent, passionate, and learned female lawyers who are vast in criminal justice law and committed volunteers from all walks of life, partners, donors, and Board members who are determined to see access to justice easy and free for all.

“We are thrilled to have reached this milestone of 500 successful releases,” said Barrister Oluyemi Orija, Founder of Headfort Foundation.

“Our team of dedicated lawyers and volunteers have worked tirelessly to provide legal representation and support to those who need it most. We are proud of the positive impact we have made in the lives of so many individuals and their families.”

Headfort Foundation’s work is not just about securing the release of inmates, but also about providing them with the support they need to successfully reintegrate into society. The organization’s back-to-school programs, psychosocial support, and successful reentry initiatives have helped to give these individuals a second chance at life.

The vision of Headfort Foundation is being achieved through various projects, which include but are not limited to the Lawyers without Border project, the Ex-Inmate Support Initiative, Bail the Indigent Project, My Rights My Freedom Project, etc. These projects have helped to reduce the number of people who are wrongly incarcerated and improve the lives of those who have been affected by the criminal justice system.

What sets Headfort Foundation apart is its innovative use of technology to improve access to justice. The organization is the first in Nigeria to introduce the “Lawyers NowNow” App, which connects indigent clients with pro bono lawyers who can provide legal representation and support. The app has revolutionized how people access justice in Nigeria and has made it easier for people to get the help they need.

The attainment of a milestone is the beginning of another; the Headfort Foundation is now on a mission to ensure the release of 1,000 inmates from prison and is even more committed to continuing its work and helping even more individuals in the future. The organization is grateful for the support of its donors, volunteers, and partners who have made these successes possible.