Impact Stories
Mr. Clement is a local real estate agent who helps clients find homes for personal or business use. His initial interaction with the complainant began when she sought his services. She had identified a property she liked, but Clement informed her that it was not yet ready for occupancy. He then offered her a suitable alternative, but she chose to wait for the original property and made a payment.
By July 2019, having grown impatient, the complainant demanded either a refund or access to a finished apartment. Clement requested additional time, explaining that the apartment was still not ready for safe habitation. Unwilling to wait further, the complainant reported him to the police. Despite his pleas for more time, Clement was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses.
He was promptly remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after being granted bail, but he struggled to meet the bail conditions due to his financial situation as the sole provider for his family with school-aged children.
In December 2020, we met with him at our mobile office at Ogba Magistrate Court and took on his case. After multiple adjournments without a witness appearing in court, the prosecution requested another adjournment to serve summons. On April 1, 2021, the court granted our application to dismiss the case when no witness showed up. Due to road blockages preventing warders from transporting inmates, we personally went to the correctional centre to secure his release.
Mr. Clement was unaware he would be released that day and did not have any family members present. Nonetheless, we ensured he got home safely. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Clement had spent 21 months in prison over an issue that could have been resolved amicably. At Headfort Foundation, we advocate for mediation before litigation to save time and prevent civil matters from escalating into criminal issues.
