A Lagos teenager has regained his freedom after spending nearly four years in custody over an allegation involving a pair of slippers similar to those worn by a complainant.
The teenager, whose identity was withheld, was arrested in 2022 but reportedly remained in custody without being taken to court for months.
His case, along with that of another defendant, was discovered by the non-governmental organisation Citizens Gavel during a visit to the Medium Security Correctional Centre in January 2024.
Citizens Gavel subsequently took up the cases and began tracking the matter through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the courts.
The legal team appeared before Justice Coker several times, but the prosecution reportedly failed to produce a single witness despite multiple adjournments.
Related News:
Lagos Police Arrest Teen Over N20m Ransom Threat
Man Survives Lagos Lagoon Jump, Rescued by Fishermen
Lagos Police Probe Ammunition Parcel Sent to FirstBank MD
The case was later transferred to the court of Justice Oshodi, where the defendants pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them.
Following the prosecution’s case, Citizens Gavel filed a No Case Submission, arguing that there was insufficient evidence requiring the defendants to answer.
The court eventually upheld the submission and discharged and acquitted both defendants.
Citizens Gavel described the development as significant, noting that the two men had spent years in custody without family members or other lawyers appearing in court for them.
After nearly four years behind bars, the teenager and the other defendant are now free.
About the Author
