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Wrongful Conviction: Nigeria in Focus

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By Hezekiah Olujobi

Wrongful convictions are a grave injustice that can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. In Nigeria, as in many other countries, cases of wrongful conviction have come to light, highlighting systemic issues within the criminal justice system. The wrongful imprisonment of innocent individuals not only deprives them of their freedom but also erodes public trust in the legal system.

In recent years, the Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation (CJMR) has been at the forefront of advocating for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted in Nigeria.
On June 14th, 2024, the Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation (CJMR) successfully secured the release of two individuals, Lukman Adeyemi and Ishmaila Lasisi, who had been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 24 years. Since then, we have been receiving calls from inmates on Death Row at Ibara Abeokuta, Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Apapa Lagos, and even from Dooly Prison in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. These inmates claim that they have been sentenced to death for crimes they did not commit.

At Kirikiri Maximum Security Centre, three convicts from Osun State have sent messages to our office claiming innocence of the convictions they are awaiting execution for. Unfortunately, one of them is mentally derailed. The individual maintains that he never committed any crime with the person he was convicted with. A police officer from Osun State, who was accused by a fellow police officer of armed robbery in 2001 and sentenced to death over the allegation, has appealed for our intervention regarding the conviction. The man, Victor Akpoyibo, has sworn that he never committed such an offense in his life. The family of Robert Israel, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 13, 2024, by the Lagos State High Court for the alleged rape of a minor, has reached out to the Centre for Justice for help in rescuing their father and husband. The family expressed their dissatisfaction with the judgment, citing a lack of valid evidence.

Contact was made with the man in Kirikiri, and he also adamantly declared his innocence of the offense.

At Ibara Custodial Centre, we received phone calls from three individuals: Monsuru Mukaila, Abdulai Ogundijo (a driver), and a motor boy who were sentenced to death over allegations of armed robbery. The driver and his motor boy claimed that they were hired to transport iron rods from Mowe to Lagos, unaware that the iron rods were stolen. The individual who hired them was later released by the police, but due to inability to meet the demand for police bail, they were charged with armed robbery and sentenced to death.

Monsuru Nurudeen, an Okada rider, claimed he was falsely accused of being an armed robber because he rode an Okada without a number plate and got into an argument with others, leading to false testimony against him in court.

From Dooly Prison in Atlanta, Georgia, a Nigerian man, Olaniyi Adedoja, serving three life sentences plus 76 years for rape, has reached out to CJMR claiming innocence of the crime. A father of two children who married a Japanese woman, he maintains his innocence and seeks our intervention.

At the Centre for Justice, Mercy & Reconciliation, we are dedicated to seeking justice for individuals in these challenging circumstances. Upon hearing their stories, we carefully review the judgments from trial or appeal courts and connect these individuals with pro bono lawyers who can assist them. We cover the costs associated with transmitting court records for appeals and submit applications for review to the Board of Mercy if appeals are unsuccessful. If our arguments are compelling, the Board may consider granting freedom to these individuals.

Our mission is to ensure that those wrongfully convicted or detained receive the justice they deserve. We are committed to advocating for these individuals and working towards their release. While reviewing individual case files and proceedings, it became evident that these individuals are victims of circumstances.

Thorough investigations are necessary to validate the claims made by the inmates and determine the credibility of their assertions.

HOW WE ASSESS THE CREDIBILITY OF CLAIMS MADE BY THE INMATES?

To evaluate the credibility of claims made by individuals seeking intervention, the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR) employs a thorough and systematic approach. Here are some common steps that CJMR usually takes to assess the credibility of claims:

CJMR conducts further investigations to gather more evidence, interview witnesses, or explore new leads that could shed light on the case.

We conduct an initial screening of the claims to gather basic information and determine the nature of the case.

We obtain certified true copies (CTC) of court documents for review, trial transcripts, and any available evidence related to the case to understand the legal proceedings and basis of the conviction.

We conduct interviews with the individuals seeking intervention, witnesses, and relevant parties to gather additional information and perspectives on the case.

We engage experts to analyze the legal aspects of each case, including potential errors in the legal process, inconsistencies in evidence, or violations of rights.

We verify the information provided by the individuals seeking intervention through independent fact-checking and corroborating evidence.

We examine any previous appeals, motions, or legal actions taken in the case to understand the history and challenges faced by the individuals.

We work closely with pro bono lawyers who can provide legal expertise and assist in evaluating the credibility of claims.

By following these steps and conducting a comprehensive assessment of each case, CJMR can make informed decisions regarding the credibility of claims and determine the appropriate course of action to advocate for justice on behalf of the individuals seeking intervention.

Below is a table listing our candidates.
DEATH ROW:

17 people on death row and life sentences are on the list of intervention.
S/N NAME Status State Convict D of Arrest Convicted Year spent
1 Adeyemi Faleye IDR Ogun State 28/2/2011 17/2/2018 13 Years
2 Monsuru Mukaila & IDR Ogun State 24/1/2017 20/5/2020 7 Years
3 Abdulai IDR Ogun State 24/1/2017 20/5/2020 7 Years
4 Monsuru Nurudeen IDR Ogun State 14/3/2016 27/6/2020 8 Years
5 Victor Akpoyibo IDR Osun State 25/11/ 2001 22/7/2010. 23 Years
6 Segun Olowookere& IDR Osun State 20/11/2010 3/12/2014 14 Years
7 Sunday Morakinyo IDR Osun State 20/11/2010 3/12/2014 14 Years
8 Sunday Bewaji IDR Osun State 22/9/2010 27/9/2015 14 Years
9 Friday Okoro IDR Oyo State 23/4/2009 15/5/2014 15 Years
10 Tunde Adewale IDR Oyo State 20/10/2010 7/10/2015 14 Years
11 Kolawole Makinde & IDR Ekiti State 6/10/2021 27/7/2022 3 Years
12 Haruna Bikau IDR Ekiti State 6/10/2021 27/7/2022 3 Years
13 Ebenezer Jacob & IDR Oyo State 15/5/2012 16/5/2024 12 Years
14 Anyim Chinweta and IDR Oyo State 16/5/2012 16/5/2024 12 Years
15 Demion Irekha IDR Oyo State 17/7/2012 16/5/2024 12 Years
16 Robert Israel Lifer Lagos State 29/9/2021 13/6/2024 3 Years
17 Adedoja Olaniyi BAH 3 Lifers Dooly State Prison, Geogia, USA 27/7/2017 9/12/2019 7 Years

We look forward to hearing from you to collaborate with us and join our team of volunteers.

Visit our website at https://www.cjmr.com.ng

You can click the donate button to offer your support.

Pastor Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi is the Managing Director of Centre for Justice,  Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR).

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Endure a Little Bit More, FG Tells Nigerians Amid Hardship

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The Federal government, on Thursday, said it appreciates the endurance of Nigerians on side effects of economic reforms, which it says have started yielding results.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated this during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance.

According to him, teething problems from the reforms are over for Nigerians as positive indicators for better days are already emerging.

“The two critical reforms on market-based price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and foreign exchange, are now at the stage of results delivery and by extension, viability of the Nation’s economy through restoration of fiscal viability,” he stated.

“These two pillars of the economic reforms that have taken positive shape now portends additional revenue for government, recovery of the finances of NNPCL and strong  basis for growing the economy, in terms of attracting investment and creating of jobs.

“I think we need to commend Nigerians for staying the cause to  this stage of getting  benefits.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Musa, said the session was a fact finding one on workability or otherwise of the various reforms.

“Today we gather to deliberate on the pressing matters related to the sales of crude oil to domestic refineries in Nigeria, in Naira and its implication on the approved medium-term expenditure framework and fiscal strategy paper for 2024-2026 and what we should expect for 2025-2027.

“Additionally, we will examine shortfalls in NMPCL revenue remittances, focusing on key areas such as foreign and domestic excess crude accounts, the signature bonus accounts, NMPCL cash call account and any outstanding or remitted revenue linked to under-recoveries.

“This meeting underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability and the responsible management of our national resources.

“I am confident that with the collaboration of the Ministry of Finance under the able leadership of the coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria and Revenue Mobilization and Physical Commission and other critical stakeholders present here, we will identify solutions and ensure that due process are upheld for the benefit of our economy and the Nigerian people.”

Aside the Finance Minister, the Group Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, the Director General of Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, representatives of Governor of the Central Bank also attended the session which was later joined by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio while in closed door.

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Equatorial Guinea’s Randy Official Denies Sex Tapes, Claims They’re AI Generated

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Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a top government official in Equatorial Guinea, has finally spoken regarding the sex scandal involving hundreds of private recordings with high-profile individuals in the country.

The country’s Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes of the wives of notable people in the country.

The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.

The leaked recordings said to have been consensually filmed, have sparked widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny of the government’s top anti-corruption official.

However, responding to the allegations, Engonga via the microblogging platform, X on Tuesday, denied the authenticity of the videos, attributing the scandal to what he described as the work of “enemies” intent on tarnishing his reputation.

The 54-year-old official also refuted reports connecting one of the supposed victims to a recent suicide, labeling them as untrue.

The scandal has shaken Equatorial Guinea’s political landscape and raised questions about privacy and misconduct among top officials.

Engonga, who was taken into custody following the revelation, continues to deny any involvement as authorities proceed with their investigation.

I want to tell the People of Equatorial Guinea that those videos are AI edited. My enemies are trying so hard to bring me down

“Ignore the rumours about someone’s death linked to the leaked videos. They’re unfounded,” he said.

Engonga said he has only one wife and six children, adding that she is his hero.

I only have one wife and my 6 children. They keep me going. We are a happy family. They are my everything.

If anything ever happens, you are strong enough to guide our children through anything. I trust you completely. You are not just my wife, but my hero,” he added.

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More Millionaires Emerge in Glo Jolly Win Promo 

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The latest winners of the thrilling monthly Glo Jolly Win promotion, have received cheques of N1 million each from Globacom and its partners. This is in addition to the data and airtime bonuses that other Glo users who take part in the promotion receive every day.

At the monthly presentation ceremony in Lagos, five winners were credited with their winnings immediately after the symbolic presentation of their cheques.

Olieh Somtochukwu, a realtor based in Anambra State, became the first person to win N1 million in the promotion in September.

The promotion is being done by Globacom in partnership with Tetragrammaton, the value-added service provider for these services, and Nitroswitch, an aggregator firm licensed by the NCC.

If not that she doubted the veracity of the promo, Mrs. Adebayo Idowu, one of the winners, would have received her check during the first presentation in September. She was reluctant to accept that she had won a million naira, even after multiple conversations, including video calls.

After later becoming convinced, Mrs. Adebayo, a recently retired school teacher, was there with the new batch of winners to receive her prize at last.

Abiodun Oluwasanmi Temitayo, a mechanical engineer; Ashimiu Aminat Idowu, a teacher; Abdul Mumuni Oseni, a corporate driver; and Sanni Ganiu Bayo, a printing and publishing agent from Lagos, are among the other winners.

Speaking about the rewarding promo, Mojeed Aluko of Globacom’s Value Added Services department, said that “the Glo Jolly Win is a lottery service in which subscribers can answer trivia questions or spin a wheel to win loads of airtime, data and cash prizes for as low as N100/day, with no need for downloads or any storage usage on their phones. Subscribers can select their preferred services from the options of Jolly Trivia, Wheel, Win & Life to join in the fun and excitement of the lottery with the potential to become millionaires.”

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