Informal Justice Court: help inmates

Welcome to the Informal Justice Court where pre-trial inmates of Ikoyi Prison act to create justice. In the court that is established inside the prison, the inmates act out their own cases in mock trials. They are assisted by pro bono lawyers and law students.

By generating a training program the mock court aims for improving inmates’ judiciary process. By taking on the different roles present in a formal court, such as judge, prosecutor, defendant and jury, the inmates gain legal knowledge and learn the skills to defend their case in court. Importantly, inmates not just receive legal help, but they are heard and can regain control in their often hopeless situation.

The training program consists of 4 stages: selection of inmates (Stage 1), training program for inmates (Stage 2), the informal justice court in action (Stage 3), and the theater play (Stage 4).

Over 800 inmates attended the Informal Justice Court Program. 400 got legal council, 100 cases were practiced in the mock court, 80 of them got a lawyer pro bono, free of charge. 40 cases were brought to trail. 5 people got released by the help of a Pro Bono service from our legal team. 10 applied succesfully for plea bargain. 4 inmates got reduced sentences.