In a remarkable recognition of legal excellence and social impact, Mrs Funke Adeoye, Founder and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), has been named the 2025 Outstanding Young Lawyer by the International Bar Association (IBA).
According to a statement released in Abuja by HBBA’s Communication Officer, Ms Ogechi Ogwuma, Adeoye emerged as the winner from a global pool of nominees. She was celebrated for her exceptional contributions to access to justice, human rights advocacy, and the use of legal technology in advancing social change.
The prestigious award, sponsored by LexisNexis, is presented annually to lawyers aged 35 and below who have demonstrated ethical excellence, professional distinction, and a strong commitment to the rule of law and service to humanity. The recognition was officially conferred during the IBA Annual Conference held in Toronto, Canada, an event that brings together legal professionals worldwide to discuss innovation and leadership in law.
Adeoye founded Hope Behind Bars Africa at just 26 years old, with a vision to make the justice system more equitable and accessible. Through HBBA, she has led several groundbreaking initiatives providing legal representation for wrongfully incarcerated individuals, advocating for criminal justice reform, and promoting civic engagement across communities.
Ogwuma highlighted that Adeoye’s work has significantly improved access to justice and rehabilitation for inmates. At the same time, her team continues to champion reforms to make the African legal system more inclusive, efficient, and technology-driven.
“Mrs Adeoye’s advocacy for innovation, inclusion, and technology in legal practice stands as a model for the next generation of African lawyers,” Ogwuma stated. “This award is not only a personal milestone for her but also a testament to Africa’s growing community of young legal professionals committed to social impact.”
In her acceptance speech, Adeoye dedicated the award to young African lawyers and human rights defenders who continue to fight for justice despite difficult circumstances.
“This honour is bigger than me,” she said. “It represents every young lawyer who believes that, even in a complex world, the law remains a tool for transformation and social good. It reminds us that ethical, people-centred, and innovative lawyering truly matters.”
Adeoye earned her LLB degree from the University of Benin in 2012 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Commonwealth Scholar.
Founded in 2018, Hope Behind Bars Africa is a youth-led non-profit organisation dedicated to reforming Africa’s criminal justice system. The group provides pro bono legal services to indigent pre-trial detainees, conducts policy research, and promotes legal education through digital innovation, including its “Connect Lawyer” app, which connects volunteer lawyers with individuals in need of legal help.
