Impact Stories
Samuel, an origin from the Eastern part of Nigeria, moved to Lagos on 2019 to improve his financial situation and support his family. After moving in with his cousin, he quickly found work as a security guard, where his duties included securing the premises, running errands, and managing the generator.
He was a diligent employee with no prior issues until August 2020, when he was found with five liters of diesel. This diesel was from the storage used for refueling the generator. Samuel was reported to the police for theft, and despite his explanation, he was detained.
With his family living outside Lagos and his cousin unable to secure his bail, Samuel was charged with theft after spending a week in police custody. Although the complainant wanted to withdraw the charge upon realizing the gravity of the situation, the lawyer representing Samuel escalated the case, preventing any settlement and leading to Samuel’s remand in prison.
In September 2020, Samuel’s case was brought to Headfort Foundation’s attention through our mobile office at Igbosere Magistrate Court. We formally took his brief at Ikoyi Correctional Centre, where Samuel expressed his remorse and clarified that the diesel was intended for his employer. Given that this was a minor offense, we mediated with the complainant, who agreed to withdraw the charge after acknowledging Samuel’s dedication at work.
However, the EndSARS protests, which led to the destruction of the court building and our mobile office, delayed the proceedings for several months. By February 2021, when court activities resumed, we successfully applied for Samuel’s case to be heard. On February 23, 2021, the court withdrew the charges against Samuel, reprimanded him, and advised him to maintain good behavior.
Samuel, deeply remorseful, was reunited with his family after six months of incarceration. This case highlights the importance of considering alternative resolutions for minor offenses and encourages amicable settlements.
