This unit takes up the defence of cases ranging from Murder, armed robbery, stealing, unlawful detention, assault etc. at the Magistrate Courts, High Courts and Court of Appeal.
Provider of free legal services
About Us
Protecting the rights of the disadvantaged in Lagos State
The Office of the Public Defender was established in the year 2020 for the purpose of rendering free and quality legal services to the disadvantaged people of Lagos State. Since it's inception in the year 2000, The Office of Public Defender has been responsible for helping defend the common people from crimes such as domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, rape, and even business and other disputes and so on.
The uniqueness of this Office lies in the provision of access to justice to the poor in a diverse way. Unlike OPD in other jurisdictions, it represents the poor in both criminal and civil cases. The Office has six(6) Sub-Offices at strategic locations in Lagos State and 2 annexes in Alimosho and Agege.
The uniqueness of this Office lies in the provision of access to justice to the poor in a diverse way. Unlike OPD in other jurisdictions, it represents the poor in both criminal and civil cases. The Office has six(6) Sub-Offices at strategic locations in Lagos State and 2 annexes in Alimosho and Agege.
Our History
The Office of the Public Defender was established on July 24th, 2000 by the then Governor of the State, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to offer free legal services to the indigents in Lagos State. The Office was formed to tackle one of the major problems in the administration of Justice System in Nigeria.
Mission
To provide qualitative legal aid through free representation in Courts and legal advice, to promote respect for rights freedoms, the law and the constitution and to ensure that all persons resident in the State irrespective of means, sex, tribe, or religion have equal access to justice.
Vision
To safe guard the fundamental rights and freedom of the poor, the vulnerable, the disadvantaged groups and the less priviledged through a strong, vibrant and high quality pro bono services in collaboration with stakeholders nationally and internationally.
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Criminal Case
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Unlawful Detention
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Child Abuse
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Labour Dispute
What We Do
The OPD provides free legal advice and representation to disadvantaged citizens of the state. Its efforts are complemented by strong collaborative relationships with NGOs and other civil society groups active in the area of human rights protection and the provision of pro bono legal services.
The OPD offers free legal representation in criminal and civil cases with an emphasis on issues which threaten the socio-economic rights of the poor as well as other vulnerable group including children women and persons with disability.
The OPD also adopts Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in discharging its functions.
Our Main Units
In discharging its functions the OPD has three main Units and four Departments.
- Legal Unit
- Administration
- Public Affairs
- Social Workers
Criminal Defence Unit
Civil Claims Unit
The Unit protects the rights of indigents in labour issues i.e. unlawful dismissal, unpaid salaries, compensation for injury sustained in the course of their duties, filing for Small Claims in breach of contract, compensation for breach of fundamental right and recovery of premises cases (representing the indigent tenants).
Family and Child Justice Unit
This unit provide services in relation to divorce proceeding, maintenance, custody/access, guardianship, domestic violence, juvenile in conflict with the law, child abuse . Under this Unit we have Social Workers who work closely with counsel in F&CJU. They place survivors (both children and adults) of domestic violence in protective custody, prepare social enquiry reports for juvenile in conflict with the law and reconcile families. They are also key actors in cases of maintenance, custody/access and guardianship.
What People Saying About Us!
OPD Lagos State is truely the defender of the helpless in Lagos State
Beneficiary
I was able to secure justice for my abuse child free of charge through the help of Lagos OPD, OPD I thank una o!
Petitioner
All the salary owed me by my employer was paid through the help of Lagos OPD free Legal service. Lagos OPD You are the voice of the helpless
Employee