We are relieved to have secured the release of Mr. Surajo Asimiyu, known as Baba Ibeji, an indigent Nigerian who was detained by the Nigerian Police for approximately eighty days without a single charge against him filed before any court.
Surajo, man with a humble means from Ogun State and father of twin toddlers, was arrested on April 20, 2024, by the Nigeria Police Force. He was initially held for ten agonizing days at Ifo Police Station in Ogun State before being transferred to Abuja. There, he remained confined in a police cell without any formal action taken against him, despite allegations of murdering his own wife.
Tragically, Surajo’s wife, who had been suffering from tuberculosis and other health issues, was rushed to the hospital by her husband where she passed away at General Hospital, Ota, Ogun State. The day after her death, on April 19, 2024, Surajo was arrested. He was not allowed to see his wife’s remains, mourn her death, or care for his young children who have just lost their mother.
Upon Our independent investigation, we discovered that Surajo is only a victim of an ego-driven power tussle between two charity inclined women’s groups. Initially, one group supported Surajo and his family providing for them, but when he aligned with another woman’s charity organization who started providing support for him and his family, the initial group turned against him and took up blackmail fight with the new woman helping him. Following his wife’s death, the initial group accused him and the other woman’s his family benefited from of murdering the wife.
Our diligent investigation confirmed that the allegations were baseless, and being propagated by opportunists to cash on unsuspecting public sympathy. However, despite the fact that the entire scenario and shameful power tussle we clear to the police, the police continued to detain Surajo under the guise of investigation.
While in police custody, Surajo remained a pawn in the ongoing power play between these groups. Despite appeals and efforts from his family, the Nigerian Police Force denied him bail, leaving him deprived of his basic rights for eighty days without a single criminal charge.
Determined to seek justice, we took Surajo’s case to the Federal High Court in suit NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/612/2024, a neutral ground for all parties. After careful consideration at several sittings, the court ordered his immediate release and we are glad the Nigeria Police complied respectfully with the court order.
Witnessing Surajo’s condition upon his release was heart-wrenching. He was malnourished, living in deplorable conditions, and so disoriented that he could barely speak. He could only cry.
Individuals using the young man to settle scores are still didn’t show at any court sitting or made any claim, but rather misguide the public to make money in the name of this innocent man. I have directed my office to provide adequate support for him and link him up with International human rights organizations and donors to review his case for a possible right campaign and support.
One particular event struck my heart strongly today, after he was released, he had no shoes or slippers to wear, as he walked out of the cell dirty and in tears, the Investigating Police Officer, one Mr. Chenedu or so brought out his own foot wears and gave it to him. I could not hold my tears.
The Nigerian judiciary continue to remain the last hope of a common man.
Special thanks to my colleagues at Law Corridor that worked on his matter from Our Lead Partner, Henry Kelechukwu Oni Otu, Sunday Adebayo and others.
No Nigerian should endure such inhumane treatment. Nigeria, Let’s do better.
Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a Legal Practitioner and the Managing Partner at Law Corridor.
