Wrongful Arrest Shatters Young Man’s Life
On November 7, 2014, Chidozie Ajokuji’s life took an unexpected turn when officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested him outside his home in Egbeda, Lagos. The 24-year-old was accused of armed robbery despite being a peaceful graphic designer returning from charging his laptop. Ajokuji’s assertions of innocence were ignored, and he was later grouped with three others and charged with conspiracy and robbery of a barrister’s vehicle.
The Real Culprit Identified
Ajokuji’s pleas to authorities seemed vindicated when the actual perpetrator, identified as Hakeem, was arrested. Hakeem was caught attempting to sell the stolen vehicle, corroborating Ajokuji’s claim of innocence. However, instead of being released, Ajokuji and his co-accused were labeled accomplices, a charge they vehemently denied.
Legal Battles and Setbacks
Ajokuji’s case was fraught with delays, including the absence of the Investigating Police Officer and complications in legal representation. Despite a clear identification of Hakeem as the sole culprit, Ajokuji and others were remanded to Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre while Hakeem was sent to a maximum-security facility. The drawn-out proceedings left Ajokuji disillusioned with the judicial system.
NGO Intervenes, Offers Hope
Years into his incarceration, Ajokuji received support from Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, a non-governmental organization dedicated to prison reform. The NGO provided legal assistance, helping to navigate his prolonged case. This intervention reignited hope for his eventual release, though the path to freedom remained fraught with challenges.
Opting for Plea Bargain to Gain Freedom
Frustrated by endless court delays, Ajokuji reluctantly accepted a plea bargain to expedite his release. On November 20, 2024, ten years after his arrest, he was freed, having completed the negotiated sentence duration. The decision was emotionally taxing, as it came at the cost of conceding to a crime he didn’t commit.
Reflecting on Lessons Learned
Ajokuji described his prison experience as transformative, teaching him patience, resilience, and compassion. Despite the suffering, he found solace in faith and sports, forming bonds that sustained him through adversity. Now reunited with his family, Ajokuji is focused on rebuilding his life and helping others facing similar injustices.
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