RoLAC supports free legal services at the 2024 NBA conference

The event was launched by the Director General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), Aliyu Bagudu, alongside DSN Convener Adebayo Akinlade and other key stakeholders. With the participation of 102 volunteers (74 female, 28 male) from two government agencies and nine civil society organisations, the clinics offered a platform for 214 beneficiaries (149 female, 65 male) to receive legal advice and representation on various civil cases. The initiative sought to enhance access to justice by offering free legal aid to marginalised groups.

In addition to the clinics, the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS), a key aspect of DSN's work, was activated through visits to two police stations—Area A Police Command and Zone 2 Police Station—where volunteers provided legal assistance to 23 suspects. This activity is in line with efforts to ensure that crime suspects are granted timely legal advice and representation, as mandated by the Legal Aid Act and Police Force Order 20.

The success of the 2024 legal aid clinics reflects a growing commitment to improving access to justice in Nigeria. Volunteers are following up on unresolved cases, ensuring that the legal aid provided extends beyond the conference and continues to positively impact beneficiaries. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of free legal aid services in promoting justice and upholding human rights across Nigeria.