Yekini Grace
Member
BROKE AND ARRESTED? HOW TO GET A FREE LAWYER
Imagine this: You’re just minding your business, maybe wearing a black hoodie or walking home late from a viewing center, and boom the police pull up.
Before you can even say "Officer, what is my offense?", you’re in the back of a van heading to the station.
You want to make your one phone call to a big-shot lawyer, but then reality hits you: Your bank account balance is currently reading 1,200.
You can’t even afford a private lawyer's consultation fee, let alone their appearance fee!
Does being broke mean you should just accept "anyhowness" and rot in a cell? Absolutely not!
Under the law, your pocket size does not dictate your human rights.
Here is exactly what to do if you are arrested and cannot afford a private lawyer:
1. Lock your mouth (The Right to Silence) :
The moment you enter that station, they will bring out a paper and say, "Write your statement." If you know you don't have a lawyer yet, do not let panic make you confess to what you didn't do.
Calmly tell them: "I want to remain silent until I consult a lawyer."
Under Section 35 of the Constitution, you have the right to keep your mouth shut. Don't let them sweet-talk or bully you into signing a cooked-up confession.
2. Scream "LEGAL AID COUNCIL!"
Nigeria actually has a government agency whose entire job is to provide FREE lawyers for people who cannot afford them. They are called the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LAC).
Tell the IPO (Investigating Police Officer) or the DPO that you want to contact the Legal Aid Council.
By law (the Administration of Criminal Justice Act), the police are actually supposed to inform you about free legal representation if you can't afford a private one. (Even if they "forget" to tell you, remind them!).
3. Look out for "NBA Human Rights" or Pro-Bono Lawyers :
Every branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has a committee called PDSS (Police Duty Solicitor Scheme) or a Human Rights Committee.
These are volunteer lawyers who visit police stations specifically to look for people who are being held illegally or who cannot afford legal fees.
If you see any lawyer walking through the cell area, politely call them and explain your situation. They take up "pro-bono" (free) cases all the time!
4. Call a trusted friend to contact Human Rights NGOs :
If you get that one precious phone call, don't just call your partner to cry on the phone.
Call someone who can quickly reach out to human rights NGOs in Nigeria like Access to Justice, LEDAP, or Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN).
These organizations have rapid-response lawyers who storm stations for free to get young people out.
Remember, Bail is Free! If you don't have a private lawyer to argue it, these free legal aid options will help ensure the police don't keep you past the 24 to 48-hour legal limit without taking you to court.
Know your rights, stay calm, and don't let anyone intimidate you just because your account balance is on "low battery."
#KnowYourRightsNG #LegalAidNigeria #PoliceIsYourFriend #BailIsFree #NaijaYouth #HumanRightsNigeria #LegalTips
Imagine this: You’re just minding your business, maybe wearing a black hoodie or walking home late from a viewing center, and boom the police pull up.
Before you can even say "Officer, what is my offense?", you’re in the back of a van heading to the station.
You want to make your one phone call to a big-shot lawyer, but then reality hits you: Your bank account balance is currently reading 1,200.
You can’t even afford a private lawyer's consultation fee, let alone their appearance fee!
Does being broke mean you should just accept "anyhowness" and rot in a cell? Absolutely not!
Under the law, your pocket size does not dictate your human rights.
Here is exactly what to do if you are arrested and cannot afford a private lawyer:
1. Lock your mouth (The Right to Silence) :The moment you enter that station, they will bring out a paper and say, "Write your statement." If you know you don't have a lawyer yet, do not let panic make you confess to what you didn't do.
Calmly tell them: "I want to remain silent until I consult a lawyer."Under Section 35 of the Constitution, you have the right to keep your mouth shut. Don't let them sweet-talk or bully you into signing a cooked-up confession.2. Scream "LEGAL AID COUNCIL!" Nigeria actually has a government agency whose entire job is to provide FREE lawyers for people who cannot afford them. They are called the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LAC).
Tell the IPO (Investigating Police Officer) or the DPO that you want to contact the Legal Aid Council.By law (the Administration of Criminal Justice Act), the police are actually supposed to inform you about free legal representation if you can't afford a private one. (Even if they "forget" to tell you, remind them!).3. Look out for "NBA Human Rights" or Pro-Bono Lawyers :Every branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has a committee called PDSS (Police Duty Solicitor Scheme) or a Human Rights Committee.
These are volunteer lawyers who visit police stations specifically to look for people who are being held illegally or who cannot afford legal fees.
If you see any lawyer walking through the cell area, politely call them and explain your situation. They take up "pro-bono" (free) cases all the time!
4. Call a trusted friend to contact Human Rights NGOs :If you get that one precious phone call, don't just call your partner to cry on the phone.
Call someone who can quickly reach out to human rights NGOs in Nigeria like Access to Justice, LEDAP, or Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN).
These organizations have rapid-response lawyers who storm stations for free to get young people out.
Remember, Bail is Free! If you don't have a private lawyer to argue it, these free legal aid options will help ensure the police don't keep you past the 24 to 48-hour legal limit without taking you to court.
Know your rights, stay calm, and don't let anyone intimidate you just because your account balance is on "low battery."
#KnowYourRightsNG #LegalAidNigeria #PoliceIsYourFriend #BailIsFree #NaijaYouth #HumanRightsNigeria #LegalTips
“I HAVE NO MONEY TO HIRE A LAWYER. SO WHAT HAPPENS TO ME NOW?”
LEGAL NOTE: The availability and scope of legal assistance can depend on eligibility and the circumstances of the case. For serious or complicated matters, seek qualified legal advice as soon as possible.