Police brutality has unfortunately become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, particularly affecting the numerous uneducated citizens who not only face physical abuse but are also coerced into writing self-incriminating statements at police stations. This practice often leads to unjust incarcerations, contributing to the overcrowding of prisons. In response to this pressing concern, Headfort Foundation launched the My Rights, My Freedom project, aiming to reduce the levels of legal ignorance among Nigerians.

This initiative addresses language barriers, focusing on human rights education, the root causes of police brutality, and the factors contributing to the high number of awaiting trial inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres. The project ensures that citizens, irrespective of their language proficiency, are included, informed, and sensitized in a language they understand. Through this awareness, participants gain the ability to make informed decisions regarding their fundamental human rights.

The project seeks to educate Nigerians on their fundamental human rights within the legal framework, emphasizing the necessary steps to take before, during, and after being apprehended by the police. This knowledge empowers citizens to navigate the legal system effectively, securing their freedom and, consequently, alleviating the congestion in Nigerian prisons.

To facilitate understanding, we simplified Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which addresses human rights of the citizens and translated it into the four indigenous languages, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin. This material is employed in sensitization sessions targeting artisans, communities, senior secondary school students, youths and inmates. Sensitization is done via workshops, seminars, traditional and social media, town hall meetings and symposium