By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian public-interest lawyer, Yusuf Temilola Nurudeen, has been recognised by the International Bar Association (IBA) for his work providing free legal services and expanding access to justice for vulnerable Nigerians.
Nurudeen was named among the recipients of the 2026 IBA Awards in Pro Bono category at the association’s annual conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Wednesday night.
The recognition places the Nigerian lawyer alongside other lawyers being honoured internationally for their contribution to legal practice and access to justice.
The IBA describes its Pro Bono Award as a recognition for lawyers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to providing free legal services, adopt innovative approaches to pro bono work and make significant impact on individuals, communities or the wider justice system.
Nurudeen has one time served as Student Union president at his Alma mater, LASU before founding his organization known as The Pro Bono Center, an organisation focused on providing legal assistance to indigent and vulnerable people.
Through the organisation, he has worked on cases involving prolonged pre-trial detention, wrongful incarceration and other violations of the rights of people who cannot afford legal representation.
His profile at the Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Chair and Fellowship notes that the foundation has worked with local and international organisations on access to justice initiatives and participated in the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, assisting in hundreds of cases.
His pro bono record includes helping secure the release of detainees who had spent years behind bars without trial.
In one case, Nurudeen and his legal team secured the release of Muideen Bilau, who had spent nine years in remand at Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre after being arrested in 2014.
In another case reported by TheCable, he represented police sergeant Emmanuel Uyanweke, who had spent more than 11 years in detention without trial. The Lagos High Court subsequently struck out the charge and ordered his release.
Nurudeen’s work has also included securing the acquittal of defendants who had spent years facing criminal trials, while advocating reforms aimed at reducing prolonged detention and improving access to justice.
His international profile has continued to grow in recent years. He was a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow and has been recognised previously for his public-interest legal work, including an award for outstanding impact.
The latest recognition comes shortly after another major milestone in his legal career.
In 2026, Nurudeen was sworn in as a Notary Public for the Federal Republic of Nigeria following his appointment by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The IBA’s recognition therefore adds an international dimension to a career that has largely focused on a pressing problem within Nigeria’s justice system.
