Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Harris Ogbole chose an unconventional yet deeply symbolic way to celebrate his 60th birthday: a high-impact charity visit to the Medium-Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, where more than 2,000 inmates are housed.
A delegation of senior lawyers and advocates of justice
Ogbole arrived with a distinguished entourage that included fellow silks High Chief A. A. Malik, SAN; Chief Madaki Ameh, Nella Andem-Ewa, SAN; Imoyen Adekun, SAN; NBA Women Forum (FCT) State Lead Hadiza Afegbua; members of FIDA Nigeria and staff of Ogbole Chambers.
They were received by the Comptroller of Corrections, FCT Command, CC Olotobosun Ajibogun, and the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, DCC Jutat Muhammed.
Life-changing medical intervention
Addressing the inmates, the celebrant declared:
“We do not condemn you; we understand your pain. My friends and I have come to identify with those who need medical attention.”
In partnership with medical volunteers, the team funded life-saving surgeries for 20 critically ill inmates and donated essential drugs covering hypertension, diabetes, infectious diseases, maternal health and malaria.
A cheque for continuing post-surgery care was handed to the facility’s medical unit, and weekend surgeries have already been successfully completed.
Ripple effect of generosity
Touched by the gesture, several SANs in the delegation pledged monthly drug supplies starting July 2025. High Chief Malik, SAN went further, offering to sponsor WAEC and NECO registration fees for interested inmates:
“Reformation begins with opportunity; education is the surest path to renewal.”
Correctional Service appeals for stronger legal partnership
In a vote of thanks, CC Ajibogun hailed the intervention but highlighted challenges: chronic overcrowding (2,000 inmates in a 500-capacity facility), limited pro-bono representation and insufficient medical equipment.
He urged the NBA, FIDA and NBA-WF to screen volunteer lawyers and deepen collaboration, warning against impostors who exploit inmates.
Facility Medical Officer Dr. Abraham E. requested a laptop, 2-D ultrasound machine, drip stands, an air-conditioner and basic IV supplies to strengthen on-site healthcare.
About Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN
Born 21 June 1965, Ogbole earned his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Jos in 1988, was called to the Bar in 1989, obtained an LL.M, and was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2019.
He is a former member of the EFCC Board, a member of the Council for Legal Education, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and currently chaired the Planning Committee for the 2025 NBA-SLP Conference. (nbaslp.org, nbaslp.org, dailypost.ng)
Looking ahead
Ogbole pledged to make such outreach “a standing tradition,” citing previous visits to Suleja, Keffi and Otukpo custodial centres. As photographs were taken to close the visit, he reminded inmates:
“This place is not the end of your story; it can be the beginning of a new chapter.”
With commitments from senior advocates, women-lawyer networks and correctional officials, the celebrant’s milestone has ignited a broader conversation on sustained legal-medical support for Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons—an impact likely to outlast the birthday festivities themselves.
For follow-up on future humanitarian projects or to volunteer professional services, contact Ogbole Chambers.
“Some of the inmates at the Kuje Custodial Centre who successfully underwent medical surgeries, sponsored in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN. The intervention brought critical healthcare to those in dire need, reflecting a legacy of compassion and service to humanity.”
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Colleagues, friends of the celebrant, and officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service pose for a group photo during the 60th birthday outreach of Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
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