Impact Stories
After Friday prayers on a beautiful September day in 2018, Kabiru, a generator repairer, was working in his shop in the Alaba Rago area of Ojo Local Government. Abdullahi, a motorcycle rider, came by to borrow a spanner from Kabiru to fix his bike. As they went about their tasks, they noticed people fleeing in panic, realizing it was the usual SARS officials known for demanding money. They decided to carry on with their work.
To their surprise, the SARS officials approached them and said, "Oga wan see una for car." Assuming it was a routine check, they went to the vehicle of the SARS officials, only to find over 20 people inside. Shockingly, they were instructed to get into the vehicle themselves.
They were then taken to the Police Station at PPL along with many others who were also victims of this unlawful raid. At the station, the SARS officials seized their belongings, locked them in a cell, and demanded N100,000 from each person for their release. Those who could pay were freed, while Kabiru and Abdullahi, who couldn’t afford the amount, remained in custody. To frame them as criminals, the officials provided them with rifles, took their pictures, and charged them with firearm possession.
On January 18, 2019, they were arraigned in court, granted bail, and remanded in prison until they could arrange the bail. The DPP later advised that they be prosecuted at the magistrate court for firearm possession.
On January 20, 2021, Kabiru and Abdullahi met with a lawyer from Headfort Foundation stationed at the Ogba Magistrate Court, part of the "Lawyers Without Borders" project. The lawyer reviewed their case, conducted due diligence, and ensured the matter was scheduled for a hearing after the JUSUN strike ended.
By June 29, 2021, it was clear that the prosecution had failed to present any witnesses. Our lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the charges for lack of diligent prosecution, which the court granted, leading to the discharge of Kabiru and Abdullahi.
Kabiru and Abdullahi spent nearly three years in detention for no reason before their release. Their case highlights the critical need for justice and the importance of legal support in combating wrongful imprisonment.
