Over 700 detainees benefit from free legal support in Niger

Over 700 indigent detainees in Niger State have received free legal assistance to improve access to justice and support community-led peacebuilding.

The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, disclosed this at the close-out of a project and the launch of the Niger State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (SAP-WPS), organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).

She said 14 trained lawyers were deployed across seven police divisions in Minna, helping ensure detainees are rarely held beyond 48 hours without a court order.

“The lawyers have provided legal assistance to over 700 indigent detainees, ensuring no one is held unlawfully,” she said.

Okenyodo explained that the SAP-WPS, validated by stakeholders from all 25 LGAs, provides a framework for integrating women into peace and security processes.

Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Hadiza Shiru, said the state has prioritised women’s inclusion, with female vice chairpersons across all 25 LGAs.

She stated that the ministry would set up a coordinating committee to implement the action plan.

Also, SPRiNG Gender Lead, Amina Akano Bello, said the programme has strengthened community capacity to address sexual and gender-based violence and other human rights violations, especially against women and girls.

Over 700 detainees benefit from free legal support in Niger