Hope Behind Bars Africa, Secures The Freedom Of 3 Young Boys Accused Of Stealing In Edo State

A Human Rights Organization, Hope Behind Bars Africa has successfully secured the release of three young boys who were accused to have stolen some gadgets in Edo State.

Information garnered by TheNigeriaLawyer revealed that the three indigent young boys, two of them aged 18 and the third one, 19 were accused of stealing some gadgets and remanded in April 2020 during the nationwide lockdown in Benin-city, Edo state.

However, as part of the organization’s Access to Justice Program, Mr. Emmanuel Okorie, on behalf of the organization took up their case pro bono.

Meanwhile, it was further garnered that these young boys had no case to answer as there was no evidence placing them at the scene of the crime nor were the items found with them.

Similarly, the Defendants also denied all the allegations against them despite the threats by the complainants and their “witness” for them to plead guilty and get lesser punishments.

The organization continued in representing the defendants and on the 8th of July, 2020 the matter was struck out and the defendants discharged by the Magistrate Court.

Furthermore, it was noted that “on the day of arraignment, when the mother to one of the Defendants learnt that Hope Behind Bars Africa would be providing free legal representation to her son and the other Defendants, she said “I’m a widow who can not afford a lawyer, God brought you to us to save us and He shall continue to bless your work”.”

“At a time where a pandemic is raging the entire world and people are struggling to manage the resultant effect of this health emergency, some organizations have stood out in their continuity in providing support and succour to the vulnerable in the society.

“One of such is Hope behind Bars Africa, a human rights organization with a mission to be a beacon of hope to the incarcerated and a voice for criminal justice reforms.”

Finally, it was learnt that the Magistrate who presided over the matter, commended Hope Behind Bars Africa for its wide network in some of the states and its commitment to provide free legal services to indigent persons.