The Nigerian justice system, like much of the country’s infrastructure, is in a state of serious disrepair. Many of the courthouses serve as appropriate metaphors in their varying states of neglect.

Above: The degree of poverty the majority of the population live in is shocking. Affording a lawyer when in contest with the law is an unimaginable prospect.

In the time I was there the ratio of days where the courts actually functioned versus not was disproportionate to say the least. More often than not there was no electricity. When the electricity was available it was not uncommon for the judge to not show with little to no notice. Of the numerous times I visited the courts to witness the work of the JusticeMakers Team I believe only once was Patrick Dunkwu able to appear before a judge.

Above: 2008 JusticeMaker Fellow Patrick Dunkwu.

It is important to remember that in most criminal cases the defendants remain in custody when a judge fails to show or the electricity prevents the court from sitting. The tragic state of the judicial system is even more painful when one considers that over 70% of Nigerians live on less than $1 a day and over 90% live on less than $2. It is extremely difficult for most Nigerians to come up with the resources to operate in a system deeply rooted in bribery and extortion.

One of the things that stood out so strongly during my time with Patrick and the JusticeMakers team is how dedicated these folks are despite what amounts to direct danger.