InsideOutHub

Breaking the cycle of crime using education, music, tech, therapy, skills development & reintegration support. Initiative of @hopebehindbar

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Posting lies about someone for clout might translate to jail time. The internet is not as free as you think.

Defamation and cyberbullying has an impact on its victims which can cost a lot.

Watch the video, then tell us, where do YOU think free speech ends and defamation begins?

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

We played a game with our guest!

Our host @thefunkeadeoye puts @2plieszakari on the spot and it got really interesting.

📺Catch the full episode of this podcast on YouTube https://t.co/ebMwkyUxIi

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

We are in the News! 🎉

@vanguardngrnews @GuardianNigeria @PremiumTimesng

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

🔴 LIVE —
Stakeholders' Engagement on the Final Report of the Independent Investigative Panel on the Nigerian Correctional Service, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Agatha built her own garden inside Kirikiri. Spinach, ugwu, ginger, waterleaf, that is not a small thing, that is reformation in action.

Through the Farming Justice Project, Hope Behind Bars Africa delivered Mind Reformation Training at the Kirikiri Female Custodial Centre, covering restorative justice, behavioral change, and horticultural therapy.

The session led by two of experts, covered restorative justice, behavioral change, and horticultural therapy. The room was full of honest reflection and renewed vision from justice-impacted individuals who are already taking what they have learned home, growing food, and are daring to picture life beyond the gate.

The Farming Justice Project is delivered in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.

Learn more: https://t.co/OgGlxbcjXD

#FarmingJustice #RoLACII #EUinNigeria #IDEANg #SeedofSecond #FarmToFreedom #HopeBehindBarsAfrica

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Nigeria’s criminal justice system is at a critical point,  and the numbers don’t lie. Nearly 70% of people in our correctional centres are still awaiting trial. Cells are overcrowded, health systems are strained, and the cycle of delay continues to impact the system negatively.

At the 30th Anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (@NhrcNigeria), Our Executive Director, @thefunkeadeoye moderated a  panel session themed  ‘’Justice delayed is justice denied: Strengthening Access  to Justice Mechanisms to Reduce Overcrowding in Correctional Institution. The conversation couldn’t be more timely. The Panel featured Associate Professor Uju Agomoh, the executive Director of @prawa_ngo, Chino Obiagwu SAN, the founder of @ledapnigeria, Representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigerian Correctional Services. Throughout the session, the message was unified; Imprisonment must become a last resort, Non-custodial sentencing works, Community service, probation, parole, restorative justice are real solutions that reduce overcrowding and promote rehabilitation.

During the celebration, @hopebehindbar was honoured with the Human Rights Partnership Recognition Award, presented by the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Anthony Ojukwu SAN. In his remarks, the learned silk described civil society organisations and human rights defenders as “the backbone of human rights protection in Nigeria,” acknowledging that their advocacy, documentation, and sacrifice have shaped the Commission’s priorities and amplified its impact over the years.

#NHRCat30 #InternationalHumanRightsDay #HumanRightsDefenders #JusticeDelayedJusticeDenied #HopeBehindBars #AccessToJustice

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

We are looking to hire a Programs Intern to join our team and make meaningful impact.

Interested Candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected], with subject line 'Programs Intern - Edo State'.

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

For Sani, who at age 23 was convicted for the theft of electrical cables & sentenced to 1year imprisonment or payment of N200,000, who opted to serve his sentence, incarceration is not the end of life for him.

Through the Farming Justice Project, several other inmates like Sani engaged in an Interactive Mind-Reformation workshop at the Kuje Custodial Centre and the Dukpa farm Correctional Centre.

200 justice-impacted individuals were in these holistic sessions, which featured horticultural therapy, reflective exercises, breakout/group conversations, financial literacy, and Q&A sessions, and concluded with a shared meal. During the event, the participants shared their experiences and dreams with us, some of which are shared in this video.

The Farming Justice Project is a systemic intervention challenging the cycle of exclusion and unemployment that often meets justice-impacted individuals, in correctional centers. By integrating climate-friendly food production into correctional education, this initiative strengthens Nigeria’s justice reform efforts, linking rehabilitation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.

The Farming Justice Project is delivered in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.

#FarmingJustice #RoLACII #EUinNigeria #IDEANg #SeedofSecondChances #FarmToFreedom

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

We are in the news...📰🎊

@BusinessDayNg @NgNewsAgency @Thediscovererng @fijnigeria @Lawandsocietym @nairaland @partnersnigeria @SundiataPostNgr

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

The Farming Justice Project was officially flagged off at the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre, marking a new chapter in how rehabilitation is approached within Nigeria’s correctional system.

Through this project, people behind bars are gaining hands-on agricultural training, learning to rear fish, okra, tomatoes, fluted pumpkin(Ugu).

This project is designed to rehabilitate justice-impacted individuals within custodial centres starting with Abuja, Edo, and Lagos, equipping them with practical skills that can support self-reliance and life after release.

Beyond skill-building, the project aims to challenge the system, showing that correctional centres can be spaces of growth, empowerment, and sustainable transformation. By giving people behind bars the tools and knowledge to contribute to food production and build livelihoods, we reduce reoffending, restore dignity, and create lasting, positive change in both their lives and the broader correctional system.

The Farming Justice Project is delivered in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.

#FarmingJustice #RoLACII #EUinNigeria #IDEANg #SeedofSecondChances #FarmToFreedom

@RealMallamSaliu @honkelechinwogu

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

PRESS STATEMENT:

Hope Behind Bars Africa condemns the arrest and detention of Abubakar Isah Mokwa, a 400-level student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, who is being prosecuted under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2024 for expressing his opinion about the Niger State Government on social media.

Freedom of expression is not a crime, and no one should face persecution or imprisonment for speaking truth to power.

Earlier this month, during #LawDay2025, we held campus workshops themed “Know Your Rights: Reducing Youth Vulnerability to Arrest and Detention.” We warned that young people in Nigeria are increasingly being targeted for exercising their constitutional right to Freedom of Expression and today, Abubakar’s case proves that fear to be real.

We stand firmly with Abubakar and call for his immediate release. The continued misuse of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissenting voices is an assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

#FreeAbubakarMokwa #freedomofexpression #EndcivicRepression #HopeBehindBars

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Hope Behind Bars Africa is deeply concerned about attempts to suppress peaceful protests in Abuja calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

Every citizen has the right to gather and speak out without fear, regardless of their stance. Restricting this right is unacceptable. We urge Nigerian authorities to ensure security forces respect and protect peaceful protests, in line with the constitution and international human rights standards.

#protestpeacefully
#noducttapes
#RightToProtest

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

As you exercise your right to protest, please remember these important tips:

- Stay calm if approached by law enforcement agencies.
 - If you are arrested or detained (or know someone who is), call our TOLL-FREE line at 080000704222. @hopebehindbar will connect you with legal support from our team of volunteer lawyers.

#protestpeacefully
#noducttapes

@sowore @adeyanjudeji @SaharaReporters

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

What happens when the law meets the digital world?

During the workshop organized by @hopebehindbar, in partnership with @FranceInNigeria, the students of Nile University explored how the law protects them online and how they can protect others.

They shared their experiences, asked questions, and they left with a better understanding of their rights in this digital age.

This event was held in commemoration of #LawDay2025.

#LawDay2025
#MyImageMyRight
#AccessToJustice
#HopeBehindBarsAfrica

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

In commemoration of #LawDay2025, @hopebehindbar, in partnership with @FranceInNigeria, hosted an engaging workshop at Nile University.

The event featured interactive discussions, Q&A sessions and fun activities, making it both informative and enjoyable.

Students paid close attention as they learned how the law protects them online and how they can protect others. The conversations highlighted key issues such as digital privacy, police encounters, and what justice means for young Nigerians navigating today’s digital space.

We also distributed the Digital Rights Passport, a guide designed to help young Nigerians understand and protect their digital rights.

Access the Digital Rights Passport here - https://t.co/j1kzJbIhQL

#LawDay2025 #AccesstoJustice #MyImageMyRight #HopeBehindBars

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Being actively engaged behind bars means different things to different people.

For Simon, it’s a way to stay busy and fight off depression. For Umar, it’s the sense of purpose he thought he had lost. For Paul, it’s the chance to earn, offset legal fees, and support his family. For Abdullahi, it’s the hope of a secure and exciting future. And for us at @hopebehindbar, it’s the fulfilment of what we set out to achieve with @insideouthub_.

The Inside-Out Hub is an initiative of @hopebehindbar that breaks the cycle of recidivism through skills development, education, music, tech, therapy, and reintegration support.

At the Dukpa Correctional Centre, this vision comes to life through the Tailoring Hub, where justice-impacted individuals are already creating, finding joy in their work, and preparing for life after release.

By equipping people with practical skills, we’re not only supporting rehabilitation and reentry but also contributing to a safer, more productive society.

#HopeBehindBars #Rehabilitation #SocialImpact #CriminalJusticeReform

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Sodiq Atanda (@sodeeqaatanda) has been released from police custody.

We thank everyone who raised their voices in advocating for his release. We must continue to raise our voices against all attempts to criminalise expression.

#JournalismIsNotACrime

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

We are appealing for your donations for the 2025 #LearningBehindBars Campaign.

Last year, with your support, we sponsored 83 incarcerated persons to sit for WAEC and NECO exams. This year, we’re aiming higher. Our goal is to support 150 incarcerated persons.

Lack of education is a major driver of incarceration. Many people behind bars have little to no basic education, leaving them vulnerable, unable to fully understand their rights and the law, or build productive lives. By providing education, we give them the tools to reintegrate successfully and to break the cycle of recidivism, and this will help create a safer, better society.

Help us raise 10 Million Naira to achieve this, by donating to any of our account numbers below:
Union Bank (NGN): 0225523826
Union Bank (USD): 0171849973
Or through our GoFundMe: https://t.co/14HYwfkXol

We also use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, The Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the Education sector to grant exam waivers for Indigent People Behind Bars.

#LearningBehindBars #HopeBehindBars

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

Our Executive Director, Funke Adeoye (@thefunkeadeoye), was featured on @SilverbirdTVcom, where she spoke extensively on the role of the Nigerian Correctional Service in reforming people behind bars and the challenges that hinder this mandate.

She highlighted issues surrounding political will, poor funding, lack of rehabilitation programs, overcrowding, and addressed the role poverty plays in driving criminality. She also reminded society of the implications of neglecting reformation, and offered practical solutions.

Full interview: https://t.co/XzTAEePQIW

[HOPE BEHIND BARS AFRICA (Criminal Justice Reforms) @hopebehindbar]

The progress of the Farming Justice Project in the FCT has been greatly strengthened through our collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (@correctionsng).

Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Olatubosun Dele Ajibogun, FCSS, fsi, formalised this partnership through an MOU with Hope Behind Bars Africa, reinforcing our shared commitment to the rehabilitation of justice-impacted persons.

The Farming Justice Project is delivered in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

#FarmingJustice #RoLACII #EUinNigeria #IDEANg #SeedofSecondChances #FarmToFreedom