Lagos, Nigeria – A tragic incident in Okokomaiko, Lagos, in August 2013, led to the arrest of Sergeant Emmanuel Uyanweke, a police officer. The arrest was triggered by the death of Adams Bello, and Uyanweke was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Despite the serious nature of the accusation, the case dragged on for over a decade. Uyanweke remained in detention, unable to defend himself in court.
Yusuf Nurudeen, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Public Interest Law and Development (FPIL&D), took up Uyanweke’s case pro bono. He argued that the prolonged detention was a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges.
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court agreed with the defense’s argument. The judge ordered the immediate release of Uyanweke, citing the prosecution’s inability to present any witnesses or evidence to prove their case.
This is the third high-profile case in recent times where FPIL&D has secured the release of individuals wrongfully detained. In November 2023, the organization successfully released another police officer, Enejo Gabriel, after a decade-long imprisonment. Earlier in 2023, they also secured the release of Muideen Bilau, who had spent nine years in the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre.
Nurudeen expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of diligent prosecution and the need for reforms to prevent such prolonged detentions. He reiterated FPIL&D’s commitment to advocating for judicial and human rights reforms and providing legal aid to the vulnerable.
