HON. JUSTICE KUDIRAT MOTONMORI OLATOKUNBO KEKERE-EKUN, GCON
Chief Justice of Nigeria
HON. JUSTICE KUDIRAT MOTONMORI OLATOKUNBO KEKERE-EKUN is the distinguished Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Appointed to the apex court in 2013, she has made significant contributions to the development of Nigerian law through her incisive and well-reasoned judgments. Justice Kekere-Ekun began her judicial career as a judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 1996, before her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2004. Known for her intellectual rigor, integrity, and dedication to justice, she has presided over numerous high-profile cases, contributing to the jurisprudence on electoral law, criminal justice, and constitutional matters. Her career reflects a deep commitment to upholding the rule of law and advancing the cause of justice in Nigeria.
HON JUSTICE AMINA AUGIE JSC (rtd) CFR, FNIALS
Retired Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria
Justice Amina Adamu Augie CFR, JSC (Rtd), born Anne Eva Graham on September 3, 1953, in Lagos, is a distinguished Nigerian jurist from Kebbi State. As a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, her career has been marked with perseverance and integrity. Justice Augie completed her law degree at the University of Ife in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. She began her career as a Legal Aid Counsel in Sokoto State, later teaching at Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Law School. Her judicial journey started in 1988 as a Chief Magistrate in Sokoto State, rising to the High Court and then the Court of Appeal, where she served in various divisions. In 2016, she was appointed to the Supreme Court.
HON. JUSTICE MOJEED OWOADE JCA (RTD)
Retired Justice of the Court of Appeal and a Law Professor
Hon. Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade, JCA, is a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal and a Law Professor. Justice Owoade earned his LL.M and PhD from the University of Ife, where he started his academic career. He held significant academic and administrative positions, including founding Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja before he was appointed as a High Court Judge in Oyo State in 1997, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2006, where he served in multiple divisions until his retirement on the 19th of October, 2022.
HON. JUSTICE (PROFESSOR) ANDREW ALABA OMOLAYE-AJILEYE, PhD (rtd)
Professor
Hon. JUSTICE (Professor) Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, PhD (rtd), studied Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. He was appointed to the prestigious office of a Judge of the High Court of Kogi State in 2005, where he served with outstanding distinction. He retired from judicial service on 15th February 2023. His Lordship, Justice Omolaye-Ajileye is a scholar of no mean repute and a prolific writer of academic books and treaties, especially, in the area of his special interest, Electronic Evidence. He is someone who has given considerable attention to the study of the Law of Electronic Evidence. Hon. Justice Omolaye-Ajileye is unarguably the leading authority on the subject in Nigeria.
HON. JUSTICE PETER OBIORA JCA
HON. JUSTICE PETER C. OBIORAH, JCA Hon. Justice Peter Obiorah, JCA, is a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria. Hon. Justice Obiorah has gained recognition for his profound knowledge of the law and his commitment to upholding justice. His career includes notable contributions to legal jurisprudence through landmark judgments and a reputation for fairness, integrity, and legal insight. Prior to his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2023, Justice Obiorah served in various capacities within the judiciary, including as a judge of the High Court , where he handled complex cases with diligence and professionalism. His career is marked by a focus on the advancement of the rule of law and the development of Nigeria’s legal system.
PROF AYODELE ATSENUWA
Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos
Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa is a Professor of Public Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos; Director of the West African Regional Centre for Law and Religion Studies, Nigeria. She is a prominent leader in African development, with extensive board experience across organizations like the Legal Research and Resource Development Centre, CLEEN Foundation, and the Council of Legal Education of Nigeria. She has consulted for international development bodies, including the UN, EU, USAID, and the MacArthur Foundation. Her expertise spans legal reforms, justice, and governance, contributing to initiatives like the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender. A member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), she is dedicated to advancing social justice and public service in Africa.
Professor Bella Okagbue FNIALS
Non-Executive Director, FSDH Capital Ltd and FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd
Isabella Okagbue, is an accomplished lawyer and academic with several published books and articles to her credit. Isabella had a distinguished academic career for many years with the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies where she rose from the position of Graduate Assistant to become a professor of law and the Director of Research. While at the Institute her scholarship focused on criminal law and criminal justice, civil liberties, women’s rights and juvenile justice. After leaving the Institute she applied herself to corporate and commercial law work. She is currently a non-executive director with FSDH Capital Ltd and FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd
CHIEF TONY OJUKWU SAN MFR
Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission
Chief Tony Ojukwu is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He has served as the State Administrative Secretary/CEO of the National Electoral Commission in Imo State. He was also appointed as the Special Assistant to the former Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission and he is currently the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.
Dr. Aime Muyoboke .K (Ph.D)
Rector of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD)
Dr Aime Muyoboke Karimunda is the Rector of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), Vice President of the Judicial Education Committee, member of the High Council of the Prosecution, member of the Rwanda Court Annexed Mediation Advisory Committee and member of the Plea-Bargaining National Board. He was a Justice of the Supreme Court until his secondment to the ILPD. He is a certified mediator, holds a PhD in International Criminal & Human Rights Law, and has published various books, book chapters and articles on domestic and international criminal law and human rights law.
Alpha Sesay
Deputy Minister of Justice for Sierra Leone
Alpha Sesay is the Deputy Minister of Justice for Sierra Leone. Until his appointment as Deputy Minister of Justice, he was the Senior Democracy, Rights and Governance Advisor for USAID in Sierra Leone. Before USAID, he was Senior Advocacy Officer at the Open Society Foundations, based in Washington DC (USA). Alpha Sesay is founding president of the Fourah Bay College Human Rights Clinic, and founding Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Court Monitoring Program. He holds an LL.M in International Human Rights from the University of Notre Dame Law School, USA, and was called to the Sierra Leone Bar in 2004.
Fernandez Marcus-Obiene
Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology
Fernandez Marcus-Obiene (a.k.a. "The Fernist") is a legal and technology practitioner, and policy and reform advocate. He is currently the Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology and Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice Committee on Technology and Law. Prior to his current role, Fernandez was a Partner at Tsedaqah Attorneys, a full services law firm with offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Accra. He is a co-founder of a LegalTech startup (wekrea8.com). Fernandez is a member of the Strategy, Operations and Management group of the Justice in Commerce Network.
Ope Olugasa
CEO, Law Pavilion
Ope Olugasa, is CEO, Law Pavilion a premier legal software and analytics company. He is an innovative Social Entrepreneur, passionate about Empowering Professionals to increase their productivity and efficiency. He believes in looking at social problems from the perspective of opportunities to offer creative solutions, hence, the constant drive to help provide innovative solutions to the very issues most people complain about. For example, the issue of corruption in Nigeria has to be tackled and one of the ways of doing this is by strengthening the Justice System through introduction of innovative solutions to the obstacles faced by the industry.
Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah
Chief Judge of Borno State, Nigeria
He is the Chief Judge of Borno State, Nigeria. He is dedicated to judicial integrity, education, and utilizing technology to enhance justice. He serves as the President of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute (CJEI) and chairs the Judicial Information Technology Policy Committee (JITPO-COM) of the National Judicial Council (NJC). He is also on the boards of the UN Global Judicial Integrity Network (GJIN), the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISRCL), the International Institute for Justice Excellence (IIJE), and the Judicial Panel of Lawyers Without Borders. Under his leadership, the Borno State Judiciary has consistently led in justice delivery, with no congestion in correctional facilities and a low ratio of awaiting trial inmates. He has received Medals of the ISRCL and NCSC.
Nelson Olanipekun
Team lead of Citizens’ Gavel
Nelson Olanipekun is the Team lead of Citizens’ gavel, an organization improving the pace of justice delivery through digital technology, access to justice and citizens’ engagement. Nelson as well leverages technology to protect the vulnerable. He has led legal tech, cybersecurity, edutech products. His involvement has led to different digital transformation projects such Podus Ai, National Case Management System, Justice Clock, Sojiare etc Nelson, through Gavel, started the first Social Media legal aid initiative providing assistance to victims of human rights, domestic violence, bank extortion. He is known for his work on police brutality, coercion and extra judicial killings.
Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu
Founder of the African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery, and Sustainable Development.
Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu is the Founder of the African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery, and Sustainable Development. She served as Adviser to the President of Nigeria from 2016 to 2023, where she developed key anti-corruption policies and led the recovery of over $650 million in stolen assets. She is a Fellow of the Compliance Institute of Nigeria and a member of ACAMS and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.
Victor Adetula
Political Science Professor at the University of Jos (Nigeria
Victor Adetula is a Political Science Professor at the University of Jos (Nigeria) Previously Head of Research at The Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala-Sweden, He was also the Claude Ake Visiting Professor in the Department of Peace & Conflict Research, University of Uppsala, Sweden (2013), and Nelson Mandela Visiting Professor of African Studies at the Centre for International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (2011). His research areas include democracy & governance, African politics & and development, Africa’s international relations, and peace & conflict.
DASKYES, Gulleng
Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Security Studies
DASKYES, Gulleng holds a PhD in Sociology (Criminology) from the University of Jos, Nigeria. He is a senior lecturer in Criminology and Security Studies in the same University. Dr Gulleng’s research interest cuts across conflict and violence, human right and military involvement in internal security operations in Nigeria and anti-corruption studies. He is a Certified Anti- Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). He has researched on corruption and economic and financial crimes including organized crime, money laundering and terrorism financing.
Naomi Gichuki
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya & Legal Consultant
Naomi Gichuki is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya & Legal Consultant with over 15 years’ professional experience. She has over a decade's experience in legal research & training roles with extensive experience in providing legal support and technical assistance, curriculum development, policy & legislative drafting, research and analysis, training and capacity building, project management and stakeholder engagement and coordination. She is in the final stages of her Doctoral Studies, and has a Master of Laws Degree specializing in Advanced Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Regional Integration.
Jake Okechukwu Effoduh
Assistant Professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law of the Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
Jake Okechukwu Effoduh is an Assistant Professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law of the Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada, where he teaches Technology Law. With expertise at intersections of international law, human rights, and AI. Mr. Effoduh’s current research investigates how the governance of AI systems can effectively address algorithmic bias against Africans and people of African descent, as well as discrimination and unfair treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, identity and ethnicity.
Professor Etannibi E. ALEMIKA
Member Global and Africa Boards, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crimes, Geneva and Cape Town
Professor Etannibi E. ALEMIKA earned B.Sc. and M.Sc. Sociology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and M.S. and Ph.D. in Criminology from the Centre for Studies in Criminology and Criminal Law in the Department of Social Systems Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. He was until March 2023 a Professor of Criminology and Sociology of Law in the Department of Sociology at the University of Jos. He is a member of several academic and expert networks. Professor Alemika has served on Presidential Reform Committees on Police, Prison and Fire Services in Nigeria; and was a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (2015-2023).
Professor Oyelade Olutunji Sunday
Professor
Professor Oyelade Olutunji Sunday is a distinguished academic in International Law at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he teaches courses in Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and related fields at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He also serves as a permanent Senate Member at the university. Between 2021 and 2023, he was on leave at Elizade University, where he later became Dean of Law. His credentials include certifications in international humanitarian law, peacekeeping, and peace-building from institutions like Aabo Akademy, University of Ghana, and American University in Cairo. He is an active member of the NBA, National Association of Law Teachers, Society of International Humanitarian Law Teachers.
Tijjani Halliru
Tijjani Halliru has a Ph.D. in Sociology/Criminology from the University Utara Malaysia (UUM), and an MSc Sociology with specialization in Criminology and Masters in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from Bayero University Kano respectively. He is a member of British Sociological Association (BSA), National Anthropological and Sociological Association (NASA), and Nigeria Society for Criminology.
Sagwadi Mabunda
Expert in cybercrime legislation, policy, and legal advocacy
Sagwadi Mabunda is a distinguished expert in cybercrime legislation, policy, and legal advocacy, with extensive experience in academia, legal practice, and research. As a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Western Cape, an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, and an accredited Mediator, she has a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes, particularly in cybercrime, transnational criminal justice, and anti-money laundering law.
Abe Hamman
Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape's Department of Criminal Justice & Procedure
Abe Hamman is an Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape's Department of Criminal Justice & Procedure, where he has also served as department head. He teaches Anti-Money Laundering Law at the postgraduate level and Conveyancing and Economic Crime Law at the undergraduate level. As an admitted attorney and conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa, Abe combines practical legal experience with his academic role. He authored a book on the impact of anti-money laundering legislation in South Africa and has published extensively on related topics. Additionally, he serves as an editor for the Journal of Anti-Corruption Law.
Akeem Olajide Bello
Professor, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Akeem Olajide Bello holds a doctorate degree in Public Law from the University of Lagos. He is a Professor in the Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He was a member of the Committee that drafted the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2007. He was formerly a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Public and Constitutional Law between September 2007 and 2011. He is a member of the Lagos State Restorative Justice Steering Committee. As Consultant to the UNODC, he developed a Curriculum for Training Prosecutors and a Training Manual for Training Prosecutors in Nigeria.
Imarha Oghenenyerowo
Assistant Chief Law Research Officer at the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Abuja, Nigeria
Imarha Oghenenyerowo Reuben is an Assistant Chief Law Research Officer at the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Abuja, Nigeria, a Nigerian with Masters in Law (Legislative Drafting). Reuben is passionate about law reform, law review, legislative drafting and administration of criminal justice reforms and his core areas of over 10 years’ experience is law research, law reform, law review, legislative drafting and administration of criminal justice reforms. is paramount objective is to provide law reform, law review, legislative drafting and administration of criminal justice reform services through legal research that meet the desired goal to improve and strengthen the legal systems.
Maryam Ibrahim
Expert, criminal justice reform and access to justice for vulnerable populations
Maryam Ibrahim is a seasoned development lawyer with over six years of experience in human and women's rights, and criminal justice. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Law School, she holds a Master's in Development Studies. Recognised as an expert reviewer by Oxford University Press, Maryam contributed to the International Journal of Law and Information Technology in 2023. She specialises in criminal justice reform and access to justice for vulnerable populations, particularly women affected by Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Nsikak Effiong
Lawyer
Nsikak Effiong is a seasoned lawyer with over six years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution. A graduate of the University of Uyo and the Nigerian Law School, Nsikak has represented clients in superior courts across Nigeria, crafting persuasive legal arguments and contributing to the legal landscape. His career has fostered a deep interest in human rights and criminal justice reform. Currently, he is part of the project team at Law Hub Development Centre, an NGO focused on advocacy, gender equality, and the rule of law.
Faith Msimuko Lungu
Senior State Advocate, Directorate of Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Malawi
Faith Msimuko Lungu is a Senior State Advocate at the office of the Directorate of Prosecutions within the Ministry of Justice in Malawi. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. Faith's responsibilities extend beyond prosecuting criminal matters, with a special focus on financial crimes and asset recovery on behalf of the state. She collaborates closely with various law enforcement agencies to develop strategic initiatives that uphold the integrity of the criminal justice system. She is driven by a profound dedication to fostering effective governance systems and institutions that operate with strict adherence to the rule of law, ensuring a more just and equitable society for all.
Osariemen Omoruyi Shobanke
Founder/Executive Director of Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA)
Osariemen Omoruyi Shobanke, is founder/Executive Director of Restorative Justice for Africa (REJA), she draws inspiration from personal encounters and prioritizes alternatives to incarceration and proper reintegration of justice impacted individuals to produce safer communities. She is a distinguished fellow of the United States Institute of Peace and a 2022 Echoing Green Fellow. She was also awarded the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for young African leaders and she was privileged to attend the High Level Political forum at the United Nations in July, 2023. Her tireless efforts in advocating for the protection of inmates' rights earned her the well-deserved winner of the Innovators Award in Global Affairs in New York.
Chibueze Maduka
Human rights and commercial lawyer
Chibueze Maduka is a human rights and commercial lawyer called to the Nigerian bar in 2016. He cut his legal teeth in Ado-Ekiti where he served in the chambers of the Attorney General of the state. After his service, he proceeded to Abuja where he engaged in human rights and commercial law practice. Chibueze is a Board member of Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative and heads the Abuja/Nassarawa offices of REJA Initiative.
Peter Adoh Che
Magistrate, The Gambia.
Peter Adoh Che is a Cameroonian residing in The Gambia, holding multiple law degrees including an LL.B, LL.M, BL, and currently pursuing a PhD at the University of The Gambia. Since joining the Gambian judiciary as a Magistrate in 2016, he has also been a law lecturer at the Faculty of Law since 2017 and a guest lecturer at the Gambia Law School. Che leads key committees at his university, coordinates international moot competitions, and founded the African Center for Legal Research and Training (ACLRT) and African Junction networks. He has mentored over 500 young lawyers and contributed to international legal training and conferences on criminal justice, human rights, and various legal issues.
Denis Bikesha
Associate Professor of Transitional Justice, University of Rwanda, School of Law
Denis Bikesha is currently an Associate Professor of Transitional Justice at the University of Rwanda, School of Law, where he previously served as Dean. He also served as a member of the High Council of the Judiciary and High Council of National Public Prosecution Authority of Rwanda. Denis also works as a legal consultant for government and other organisations including the Government of Rwanda, United Nations and has worked for American Bar Association. Denis is the Co-founder of Premier Law Chambers and Lead 4 Tomorrow Rwanda; the latter is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda. He is the Chief Editor of Rwanda Law Journal.
Robert Nanima
Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Criminal Justice and Procedure, Faculty of Law, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Robert Nanima is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Criminal Justice and Procedure in the Faculty of Law, at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. He is also a Research Fellow at the Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Governance at the same University. He lectures undergraduate modules of Child Justice and post-graduate courses in South African and international Anti Corruption Law. He is also a member of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Special Rapporteur on Children Affected by Armed Conflict and the Chairperson of the Working Group on the Implementation of Decisions.
Joshua Uba, Esq
PPDC’s State Program Manager (Access to Justice)
Joshua Uba, Esq holds a Master of Laws Degree from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. He is PPDC’s State Program Manager (Access to Justice) Nasarawa State. A Google Policy Fellow alumni, Joshua is an enthusiast for the use of technology to meet community needs. A certified Program Manager for the International Development Sector, Joshua volunteers in teaching Criminal Law and Human Rights law.
Kwapaya Adamu, Esq
PPDC’s Nasarawa State Program Officer (Access to Justice)
Kwapaya Adamu, Esq is the PPDC’s Nasarawa State Program Officer (Access to Justice). She was called to the Bar in 2015. She possesses a vast array of experience in the Development Sector and has held several portfolios in the Development space.
Yewande Fatoki
Senior Lecturer, Lead City University, Ibadan
Yewande Fatoki PH.D, is an academic and researcher specialising in criminal law and justice, international human rights law, gender-based violence, women's and children's rights. she is a senior lecturer at Lead City University, Ibadan
Deborah Damilola Adeyemo Ph.D
Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan
Deborah Damilola Adeyemo Ph.D, is a senior lecturer in the Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law at the University of Ibadan. She is a DAAD academic excellence scholar (2013) and a co-recipient of the Solidarity Fund for Innovation Project (FSPI) Grant (2022). She is an ARUA post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Addis Ababa, Adiss Ababa, Ethiopia (2023/2024). Her primary research interest is in the field of public law with special interest in issues relating to criminal justice, victims’ justice, crime prevention and International criminal law.