Provider of free legal services to the defenceless!
We're working with you to make a positive impact around Lagos State and your backyard.
What is The OPD?
OPD is an acronym for Office of the Public Defender, the office is a body established by the Lagos State Government to render free legal services in criminal and civil cases to the indigent and vulnerable residents of the State, with emphasis on issues threatening the socio-economic right of the poor as well as other disadvantaged group like children and women.
Where are the offices located?
- Head Office: 2-8, Iyun Road, Off Funsho Williams Avenue, Stadium Hotel Bus-Stop, Surulere, Lagos State.
- Ikorodu Office: Candide Johnson Court House, The Combined High/Magistrate Court, Ita-Elewa, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
- Ogba Office: Samuel Ilori Court House, Ogba, Agege, Lagos State.
- Epe Office: Ligali Ayorinde, Combined Magistrate/High Court, Epe, Lagos State.
- Badagry Office (Temporary): Main Badagry Town Hall, Badagry, Lagos.
What kinds of people does The OPD attend to?
We attend to all residents of Lagos State who are indigents, poor or oppressed, physically challenged pensioners, widows and citizens that cannot afford the service of a legal practitioner.
What kind of cases do you take up in the OPD?
We offer legal representation in Court and also intervene in disputes between parties i.e:
- Family Matters
- Child Abuse
- Child's Right Custody and Maintenance
- Divorce
- Civil Matters
- Employer/Employee Disputes
- Compensation/Monetary Claims
- Recovery of Possession
- Recovery of Debts
- Landlord/Tenant (Cases in Court)
- Criminal Matters
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Fundamental Human Rights (FHR) violations
- Unlawful Detention
- Bail at Police Station
- Rescue Mission
- Prison Decongestion Exercise.
If I have complaints against somebody but do not want to go to court what can I do?
OPD provides for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in resolving issues brought by clients, therefore many petitions received are resolved through ADR.
How much do I have to pay?
Our services are rendered free of charge.
What does The OPD do about children and women that are victims of domestic violence?
OPD Lawyers and its Social Welfare Officers carry out rescue mission in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and NGO(s) and such victims are placed under protective custody pending the outcome of investigation and decide whether matter be resolved peacefully or to be charged to court.
How can the OPD defend a person in a criminal matter being prosecuted by The Directorate of Public Prosecution; A Government agency without bias against the defendant?
OPD ensure high quality legal representation to clients through excellence and demonstration of compassion, loyalty, commitment and professionalism, irrespective of the opposing party.
How does The OPD intervene in family disputes?
The OPD has a Social Service Department whose responsibility is to investigate and intervene in family/domestic disputes for peaceful resolution.
Does The OPD take up every legal matter presented to it's office?
No, rather a review of such matter is done and the complaints are referred to other government agencies, non-government organization or any other body that can assist it to perform its functions by virtue of section 2(2) of OPD LAW of 2008.
What does The OPD do if a matter is against a government agency or a civil servant?
OPD takes up cases in which it has jurisdiction over irrespective of the government agency involved and handles such matter in the most diligent manner.
Does The OPD work with other agencies?
The OPD works with other agencies and parastatals including non-governmental organizations which assist it to perform its statutory duties
Do you represent Landlords in court?
When it comes to landlord/tenant issues, OPD statutorily represents the tenant(s) in court matters.
What steps does the OPD take if the Respondent fails to honor an invitation?
Firstly, on the very day of the meeting, OPD Lawyer calls the respondent to find out why He/She failed to honour our invitation, after which OPD Lawyer will re-invite the Respondent for another meeting. If the Respondent neglects/fails to honour the request and the Petitioner has a good case, the matter will be taken to court.