Our directors, programme leads and staff run the day-to-day research, programmes and operations of the Institute — turning the vision of people-centred justice into evidence, coalitions and capacity on the ground.
Executive Director of the Justice Research Institute, leading the Institute’s research, programmes and operations.
Ikem Isiekwena serves as Executive Director of the Justice Research Institute, providing leadership across the Institute’s legal research, justice reform and capacity-building work throughout the justice sector.
Distinguished lawyer, public policy expert and internationally recognised human rights advocate with over 25 years shaping justice reform across Africa.
Foluso Idumu-Shado provides strategic leadership for programmes that advance inclusive justice systems, strengthen the rule of law, and improve access to justice for vulnerable and marginalised populations. A leading voice in the people-centred justice movement, she leads the implementation of the African Alliance for People-Centred Justice (AAPCJ) in West Africa, fostering cross-country collaboration, innovation and policy reform.
Her expertise spans human rights, democratic governance, access to justice, child rights, social justice, mental health, sexual and gender-based violence, disability rights, and the protection of women and children. She previously served in the Presidency as Senior Special Assistant (Administration) to the President, and for several years in the Office of the Vice President, working closely with Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, on governance and justice sector reforms.
As a PILnet Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, New York, she championed the institutionalisation of pro bono legal services and led the establishment of the National Pro Bono Clearing House. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Programmes Manager at the Justice Research Institute.
Working at the intersection of access to justice, democratic governance and digital rights in Nigeria.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2025, Olutimi brings a blend of legal training and professional media experience to JRI’s programmatic work, spanning legal process management, programme coordination and strategic communications.
During his National Youth Service Corps year, he undertook pro bono litigation and legal aid work, leading a team that delivered measurable impact for underserved persons across the FCT. His areas of interest include judicial reform, legal research, democratic governance, digital rights, and media and entertainment law.
Managing and coordinating key initiatives across the Institute’s justice sector work.
Grace’s responsibilities include programme implementation, administrative oversight, legal research support and policy work — all directed toward strengthening access to justice across Nigeria. She brings a practical approach to translating research and strategy into effective programmes on the ground.
Outside of work, Grace is interested in design, digital platforms and building communities online.
Administrator and Finance Manager with over ten years of experience in operations and organisational management.
Ms. Adaeze Okafor oversees the Institute’s administration, financial management and day-to-day operations, ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the organisation. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Economics and a Diploma in Psychology from the University of Lagos.
With her expertise in administration, finance and organisational management, she plays a key role in advancing the Institute’s mission through sound operational and financial stewardship.
Logistics Officer at the Justice Research Institute.
Justice Research Institute serves as a hub for legal minds, researchers and scholars — carrying out legal research, formulating policy for critical reforms, and building the institutional structures and capacity that people-centered justice requires.