Tamara, 18
Progress Report
Real names withheld for the purpose of privacy
Disclaimer: WIPSI does not support or condone criminal activities in any capacity. Our mission is to ensure fairness, justice and access to justice to victims of ignorance and the vulnerable in the society, while prioritising the wellbeing of society and the individuals involved.
On the auspicious day of October 16, 2023, Tamara emerged from the confines of the Female Correctional Centre in Ondo, embracing the embrace of freedom after enduring a lengthy three-month period within prison walls. At the dawn of the week, she finally inhaled the invigorating breath of liberty, greeted by the sun’s radiant rays and the brilliant azure sky, as if the cosmos itself acknowledged the long-awaited step into the realm of the unfettered.
On this specific day, the Magistrate Court in Idanre convened to review her bail application and received the report on the settlement from the defendant’s counsel. Our resident lawyer, Barr. Akindayomi Oluwatobi, stood before the court and clearly stated his representation on behalf of the NGO, WIPSI. He highlighted that our organisation had visited the correctional centre, where we encountered Tamara and several other cases. In a demonstration of our commitment to justice and the community, we decided to provide legal assistance pro-bono for her and others in need.
During the court proceedings, both the counsel for the defendant and the prosecution presented their respective applications for bail and counter affidavit. After careful consideration, the court ruled in favour of the defendant, granting the bail application. In a noteworthy acknowledgment, His Lordship expressed appreciation to WIPSI as an organisation for their distinct dedication in handling cases of this nature. The judge emphasized that this was the inaugural instance of such pro-bono legal involvement within her court, underscoring the unique and commendable contribution made by WIPSI.
Upon the successful perfection of her bail, Tamara was joyously reunited with her family. WIPSI, functioning as an NGO with a strong commitment to justice, facilitated the bail process by covering the associated costs. Now liberated, she embarks on a journey of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, supported by the invaluable efforts of WIPSI and the embrace of her loved ones.
This moment marks an exceptional milestone for WIPSI as an organisation, a triumphant victory in our pursuit of justice and advocacy. It signifies our first significant success, and we are eager to celebrate and commemorate this achievement. This win amplifies our dedication to the cause and strengthens our resolve to continue fighting for justice and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Our gratitude extends to every member of the WIPSI team, our dedicated volunteers, and our partners who have tirelessly supported us on this journey. We celebrate this victory as a collective, and it fuels our passion to strive for even greater accomplishments in the future. Together, we shall continue to make a lasting difference and transform lives for the better. Onward and upward, united in purpose and vision.