Founded in 2018 by a young lawyer and social innovator, Oluwafunke Adeoye, Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) is a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable criminal justice system in Africa. Driven by a vision to become a leading catalyst for correctional reforms, HBBA is tirelessly working to bridge the justice gap and uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals in contact with the law.
With a network of over 200 dedicated volunteers, HBBA has provided pro bono legal services to thousands of indigent pre-trial detainees across Nigeria, directly impacting the lives of over 8,000 justice-impacted individuals. Their unwavering commitment to human rights and evidence-based advocacy has earned them ECOSOC status with the United Nations and membership in several local and international networks, including the Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
Operating from offices in Abuja and Edo State, HBBA’s reach extends across the entire country, providing free legal services, direct support, and advocacy for those most in need.
Their work encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including representing indigent pre-trial detainees in court proceedings, providing legal education and awareness to incarcerated individuals and their families, conducting research and producing evidence-based reports to inform policy reforms and leveraging technology to enhance legal aid services and promote access to justice.
As a youth-led organization with a proven track record in advancing access to justice in Nigeria, HBBA stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering belief in a more just and humane society. Their unwavering commitment to human rights and dignity serves as an inspiration to all those working towards a brighter future for Africa’s criminal justice system.