Free Legal Aid for Pretrial Detainees in Nigeria
The Leafgreen Africa Legal Clinic provides free, quality legal representation to indigent detainees held in Jos, Plateau State without formal charges or a realistic path to bail. 65.8% of Nigeria's ~81,700 inmates were awaiting trial in Q2 2025, NBS reported. The clinic conducts intake visits, files bail applications, traces missing case files, and tracks cases to resolution.
How does Leafgreen Africa do it?
Intake visits to detention facilities with families and listed detainees.
Bail applications, case file tracing, and trial monitoring for eligible detainees.
Negotiation and follow-up with prosecutors, courts, and detention authorities.
Transparent case tracking, donor reporting, and progress updates.
Referral to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and allied organisations when needed.
Oversight and accountability
A volunteer Oversight Board provides independent review of case quality, programme governance, and transparent reporting. Learn about board membership and accountability standards on the oversight page.
Meet the oversight boardRequest Help
Free legal aid request
Refer a Case
Partner referrals
Support the Clinic
Funding and budget transparency
Questions people ask
Who is eligible for Leafgreen Africa's free legal aid?
The Legal Clinic supports indigent detainees in Jos, Plateau State who are held without formal charges, unable to afford bail, and whose families need legal representation. Eligibility is based on need and case urgency.
Does the Legal Clinic charge for representation?
No. The clinic provides free legal aid for eligible detainees and their families. The programme is supported by donors, grants, and volunteer legal professionals.
What areas does the Legal Clinic currently serve?
The clinic currently serves detainees in Jos, Plateau State. National statistics are cited for context, but the programme is focused on access to justice in Jos and nearby detention facilities.
How is the Legal Clinic different from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria?
Leafgreen Africa is an independent NGO programme. The Legal Clinic works alongside the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and allied organisations, but it is not a government agency or a substitute for the council.
How can my organisation refer a case?
Organisations may refer cases through the clinic referral page or by contacting hi@leafgreenafrica.com.ng with the subject “Legal Clinic case referral.” The clinic works with donor partners, the Legal Aid Council, and allied NGOs.
How is clinic funding spent?
Funding supports intake visits, bail applications, case file tracing, trial monitoring, legal reporting, and oversight by volunteer partners. A budget transparency page explains the first-year ₦10,000,000 target.
Case outcomes and related services
See Legal Clinic case outcomes and updates on the programme feed, or explore Leafgreen Africa's GIS and environmental services that support our broader mission.