Olayemi, a mechanic, resident in Ekiti State, was arrested by the Rapid Response Squad and arraigned for stealing on August 28, 2022.
Despite being granted bail, Olayemi couldn't perfect the bail due to financial constraints and the confiscation of his phone during his arrest, making it difficult to reach his family and lawyer. For 8 months in prison, he had no legal representation
During our January 2023 visit to the Ekiti state correctional center, Olayemi shared his story with our lawyer, who successfully contacted his family. The family has been looking for him and they were happy he was alive, and they immediately sent a surety to perfect his bail after 8 months in custody.
After several adjournment at the instance of the prosecutor, on the 9th of May 2024, our lawyer applied to the court to strike out the case because the prosecution has not brought any witness to court in 2YEARS! The court granted our application and struck our. the case on May 9, 2024.
Suspects have rights! When Nigerians are arrested, they have the constitutional right to contact their families and lawyers! This right should NEVER be denied.