Catholic lawyers secured release of 150 inmates in 2025: NACL
The National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), Lagos chapter, on Friday, said that it secured the release of no fewer than 150 inmates through free legal services in 2025.
President of the state’s NACL, Florence Atuluku, disclosed this at the 2025 annual Christmas celebration and gifts to the inmates, held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The event was attended by inmates from correctional centres in Lagos State and their management, as well as the Lagos Catholic Archbishop, Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins.
The event featured a celebration of Mass as well as the consecration of 25 inmates with the sacrament of confirmation by the Archbishop.
There were also donations of bags of rice, confectioneries, toiletries, clothes, disinfectant, beverages, cash and educational aids to support their reform.
The materials given to the inmates were donations from the Prison Aposlate of the Church, the NACL, the Christian Woman Organisation (CWO) among others.
Speaking at the event, Ms Atuluku, described the visit as a re-engineering of redeeming values that would help the inmates reform.
Ms Atuluku noted that in 2025, the association has been able to secure release of about 150 inmates through free legal aid.
According to her, the lawyer association does not only offer humanitarian works in terms of offering material gifts but also deploy their legal services to aid the people regain freedom free of charge.
“Through our professional services we look through the records to find out those that have stayed without trial, and bring them to the fore with a view to getting them better conditions.
“In my interactions with inmates, I am struck by the tragedy of wasted human potentials; Their voices echo regret, pain and longing for a second chance.
“The truth is sobering; many outside the correctional centre walls are guilty of similar failings, shielded only by privilege or circumstances.
“The difference is not only morality, but opportunity,” she said.
She said that the team would intensify efforts in 2026 to decongest the facilities especially for minor cases.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu’s Chicago Certificate: “Tokunbo Pearse is shameless scoundrel,” says Adebayo Williams
Mr Williams stated, “In 2003, I was part of Senator Tinubu’s entourage to his Alma mater, Chicago State University.”
Africa
ITUC-Africa demands climate justice, decent jobs for workers at COP31
TUC-Africa has called for climate justice, decent jobs and stronger social protection for workers at COP31.
Anti-Corruption
Fraudster Ifeanyi Arinze forfeits luxury cars, other items to FG after conviction
An analysis of his Kuda Bank account showed inflows totalling N2.14 billion between August 2022 and February 2026.
Education
Union directs OAU students not to pay N15,000 portal charge
The union gave the directive in a statement on Tuesday and demanded the suspension of all balloting activities until the matter is resolved.
States
NLC calls out Tinubu, demands immediate release of Osun LG funds
The Nigeria Labour Congress demanded the immediate release of withheld local government funds in Osun, declaring solidarity with workers protesting the seizure.
