Background
Kano State’s justice system has long been characterized by overcrowded prisons, high rates of pre-trial detention, and lack of access to quality legal aid. With only a handful of lawyers offering pro bono services, most indigent citizens could not afford representation, leaving them detained for years without trial. In 2016, data showed that over 80% of Kano’s prison population were awaiting trial. This situation disproportionately affected vulnerable groups including women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Introduction
In January 2017, with support from the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), PWAN, in partnership with Partners Global and the Democratic Action Group (DAG), launched the Greater Access to Defence and Justice (GADJET) Project.

The Project was initially designed as a two-year intervention (January 2017 – October 2018) funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). During this period, the project successfully established Kano State’s first Public Defender’s Office (PDO) and laid the foundation for sustainable access to justice for indigent citizens.

In recognition of its early achievements and the need to consolidate gains, the project received a one-year cost extension (December 2018 – December 2019). This extension allowed the partners to strengthen the PDO’s systems, launch a comprehensive case management system, and begin developing a sustainability plan.

The central achievement of the project was the establishment of the first Public Defender’s Office (PDO) in Kano State, dedicated to providing free legal aid services – advice, representation, mediation, and legal education – to indigent residents.

What We Did

• Established the PDO in Kano with full staff (senior/junior lawyers, paralegals, and admin team) and an 8-member Governing Board.
• Conducted legal clinics and awareness sessions across multiple LGAs, reaching citizens directly with free legal advice and referrals.
• Created a Case Management System (CMS) to track criminal, civil, and Sharia cases, enabling data-driven legal aid.
• Built partnerships with police, prisons, and the judiciary to address pre-trial detention and promote inter-agency collaboration.
• Launched citizen awareness campaigns using radio jingles in Hausa, English, and Pidgin, as well as flyers, posters, and town hall meetings.

Key Outcomes in Numbers

• 363 cases handled by the PDO between 2017 and mid-2018.
• Over 100 cases received within the first year, with 8 resolved including bail grants, discharges, and successful mediations.
• 26 new cases identified during a prison visit to Kano Central Prison in 2017.
• 11 public awareness events/clinics held across communities.
• 15 staff trained in international standards of legal aid, human rights enforcement, and defense procedures.

Impact
The GADJET Project has transformed access to justice in Kano by:

• Reducing unlawful detention through legal interventions.
• Increasing citizens’ knowledge of their rights.
• Providing a model PDO that other states in Nigeria can replicate.
• Setting precedent-breaking judgments, such as the Baby Khadijah rape case, where the PDO secured a conviction and set a new standard for child rights protection in Kano.

Testimonials

“I thought my son was dead, but the PDO brought him back home after months in detention without trial. I will forever be grateful.” — Mother of Dayyabu, a 16-year-old boy wrongfully detained.

“The PDO gave me a voice when no one else would listen. They stood by me in court and I now know my rights.” — Beneficiary of a PDO legal clinic.

Call to Action
The GADJET Project shows that access to justice changes lives.
Learn more about our justice and security governance work: www.partnersnigeria.org
Support our mission to strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria.