Lawyer and human rights activist, Pelumi Olajengbesi has narrated how a father of twin toddlers identified as Surajo Asimiyu was arrested and detained for 80 days in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force without a single charge filed against him.
According to the Abuja-based lawyer, Surajo is a modest man from Ogun State who 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 review of the case, we discovered that Surajo was merely a victim of an ego-driven power tussle between two charitable women’s groups. Initially, one group supported Surajo and his family, but when he aligned with another woman’s charity organization, the initial group turned against him. Following his wife’s death, this group accused him and the other woman of his wife’s murder”.
Pelumi, who is the Managing Partner at Law Corridor said legal team’s investigation revealed that the allegations against Mr. Surajo 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 was clear to the police, the police continued to detain Surajo under the guise of investigation.”
He also elucidated that pleas and efforts by the victim’s family to get him bailed met a brick wall. The legal team sprout to action and approached the Federal High Court, which order his immediate release and the Police force complied.
“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.
“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, Lets do better”, he concluded.