The Voiceless
Relevant Authorities
Strides and Media
for Themselves
Lives Back
The Society
International Recongnitions
Lives Back
Lives Back
WELCOME WORD
Ben Abraham,
Founder, Zarephath Aid
-From the desk of the Founder-
Dear reader,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this page; a key medium to showcase our identity – our vision, our mission and our strides.
Zarephath Aid began this journey of impact 21 years ago, precisely in 2004 anchored on three thematic areas – Legal Aid, General welfare and Rehabilitation.
In the course of these many years, we have, by God’s grace, sustained a story of influence, dedication and perseverance. We are thankful and thrilled that thousands of inmates have received support through pro bono legal work – legal clinics at the correctional facilities, legal representation in courts and legal advice. Even many more have received welfare support during our facility visits – at the annual inmates’ day celebrations, academic welfare support, medical support and periodic visits with State Judiciary officials. Working with partners and Organizations, we have also supported ex-inmates with basic rehabilitation.
Being an Organization that is adaptive to changing realities, the need to tackle challenges in the criminal justice sector more strategically stirred us to expand into the media space – an area that is burgeoning. Our work, though daunting, has been made easier through the unbelievable work of our team, volunteers and partners.
While we toast to a new day, we must not deny the reality of increasing challenges in the sector; necessitating even greater interventions. That is why I welcome you, dear reader, to team up with us and address these critical issues headlong. The space for change makers is never diminishing. We look forward to meeting you.
Finally, while you take your time to savour this page, I’d like you to commit to making a tangible difference in our communities.
Thank you.
OUR FOCUS
Below are our areas of focus:
Testimonials
Over the years ZA’s legal aid program has secured the release of hundreds of inmates from various correctional facilities in Nigeria. Many of these beneficiaries have expressed their gratitude and joy after their release. We highlight some of these testimonials here:
BENEFICIARIES SAY...
AMAECHI OBI - (ZA’s first beneficiary released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos on 29th June, 2004.
‘‘I thank God say I don commot for that yard. E no dey easy for me. I no know you but as you come help me, God go help you’’
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by the Magistrate Court kirikiri.
AMAECHI OBI
BENJAMIN OGOR - (ZA’s beneficiary released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos on 29th June, 2004
‘‘I didn’t know that anybody would come to my help in this case. I didn’t pay you but you said that you people came to help people. Thank you and God bless you.’’
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by the Magistrate Court kirikiri.
BENJAMIN OGOR
CHIMA ONYENERO - (ZA’s beneficiary released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos May 2005; he was charged for Robbery)
‘‘Thank you for assisting me to end this case. I was arrested at Ajegunle after I returned from the wharf where I work. The Police demanded N150,000 from me which I couldn’t provide. They charged me with robbery even though I didn’t know what I did. But today I have regained my freedom after 3 years in prison for an offence I did not commit.’’
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by the Magistrate Court kirikiri.
CHIMA ONYENERO
BIG JOE - (ZA’s beneficiary among the G34 released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos by Justice Ade Alabi CJ of Lagos State September 2005; he was charged for Robbery. He was the Marshal General of the inmates)
‘‘We had a rough time in the yard. The life there wasn’t easy at all. But when I heard that a group (Zarephath Aid) was working to release us I was initially doubtful but when my name was called that I was going home I was happy. Thank you for helping so many people without taking money from them. I am grateful’’
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by Hon Justice Ade Alabi, the Chief Judge of Lagos State.
BIG JOE
KINGSLEY NJOKU - (ZA’s beneficiary among the G34 released by Justice Ade Alabi CJ of Lagos State from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos September 2005; he was charged for robbery and he was the longest staying awaiting trial inmate having stayed 12 years without trial)
‘‘I stayed 12 years awaiting trial having being arrested in 1993 for robbery. I was not taken to court after the day I was remanded. They said that they were awaiting legal advice and that is how I stayed here for 12 years until this group came and said that they will release us. Today I am a free man and I am happy that someone came to my help. May God reward you people.’’
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by Hon Justice Ade Alabi, the Chief Judge of Lagos State.
KINGSLEY NJOKU
JOHN OBASI - (ZA’s beneficiary released from Shagamu facility Ogun State in 2010; he was charged for robbery and released after 10 years awaiting trial)
‘‘I am grateful for your free help to me since I was arrested and abandoned here. For you people to come from Lagos to Lagos to help us is a sacrifice. May God bless you all.’’
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by the High Court of Ogun State sitting in Shagamu.
JOHN OBASI
UCHECHUKWU OKORO - (ZA’s beneficiary released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos on February 2024; he was charged for sexual molestation)
“I have been in custody since 2016. I was arrested after neighbours set me up that I molested a child sexually. I waited for trial at Justice RA Oshodi’s court but none was forthcoming. Zarephath Aid people came to assist me through the welfare department. Today I am free and I am very grateful”
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by Hon Justice RA Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court.
UCHECHUKWU OKORO
SAMSON OBROH - (ZA’s beneficiary released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos on March 2025; he was charged for robbery)
“I was a security guard at Iju Ishaga in Lagos and there was a robbery incident in the estate next to where we were working. A woman from there brought police to arrest me and my colleague. I have been in prison custody since 2013 awaiting trial. I am grateful for your assistance today.”
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by Hon Justice OA Ogala of the Lagos State High Court Ikeja
SAMSON OBROH
AHMED TAOREED, IDOWDAMILARE and AKEEM QUDUS - (ZA’s beneficiaries released from medium facility Ikoyi, Lagos on 24th October 2025; they were charged for stealing)
“We are grateful. We don’t know the lawyers before now and they didn’t take any money from us. But today after staying over 1 year in custody we have been released. God bless you.”
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by Magistrate Court 2 Epe sitting virtually at Ikoyi.
AHMED TAOREED, IDOWDAMILARE and AKEEM QUDUS
SYLVANUS VICTOR CHIDIEBERE - (ZA’s beneficiary released from medium facility Kirikiri, Lagos on 17th December 2025; he was charged for sexual molestation)
“I have learnt so many things from my incarceration. Prison was a school to me. I cannot forget it. But I thank God for you people. Many lawyers took money to help me and later they didn’t come back. So when the welfare Dept told me that you people will help me I was initially doubtful even though I had a dream where I met the welfare officer and we discussed my case. When my name was called and I was informed that the court had ordered my release I could not believe it. Thank god for you people. God will bless you.”
COMMENTS – His release was ordered by Hon Justice OH Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Ikeja.
SYLVANUS VICTOR CHIDIEBERE
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
You can send us a message right away