Pains of Surajo: 80 days detention without trial

By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

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 80 Days without a single charge filed against him.

Surajo, a man of 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 false 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 had 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.

Our diligent check confirmed that the allegations were baseless, propagated by opportunists to exploit public sympathy. Despite the clear and shameful nature of the power tussle, 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.

With our determined to seek justice for him, we took his 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.

The individuals using this young man to settle scores did not show up at any court sittings or make any claims, but instead misled the public to profit from his plight. 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 rights campaign and support.

One particular event struck my heart strongly today: after his release, he had no shoes or slippers to wear. As he walked out of the cell, dirty and in tears, the Investigating Police Officer, I think his name is Mr. Chinedu, gave him his own footwear. I could not hold back my tears.

The Nigerian judiciary continues to remain the last hope of the common man.

Special thanks to my colleagues at Law Corridor who worked on his matter, including our Lead Partner, Henry Kelechukwu Oni Otu, Sunday Adebayo, and others.

No Nigerian should endure such inhumane treatment. Nigeria, let’s do better.