How UNILAG ‘visitor’ ended up spending 3months in prison
A man visiting his friend at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) ended up spending three months in prison, after he was locked up on a false accusation.
According to the report, the man, identified only as Sunday, and his friend, who is a student of the institution, was charging their mobile phones at a public facility on the campus.
During the period, another student showed up and pleaded to share his phone charger, which had an extra spot.
Sunday reportedly left the scene a moment later to visit the restroom. He had not returned to the charging spot, when the other student who earlier sought his help declared his phone had gone missing. He accused Sunday of stealing the missing item and handed over to the university security guards, who in turn reported the matter to the police.
The police, on February 21, 2022, arraigned the accused on a two counts charge bordering on breach of peace and stealing. The magistrate granted the accused bail while his trial commenced. Sunday was unable to hire the services of a lawyer and through his friend contacted the Headfort Foundation – a group of lawyers offering free legal services to indigent citizens.
The foundation’s lawyer, Emmanuel_Oroko took up Sunday’s defence.
“He had spent 3 months in custody before his bail was perfected,” the foundation said.
“The witness didn’t return to court for cross-examination and he (the accuser) also mentioned while testifying that the phone was later found.
“Subsequently, from the 14th of May 2022, the case suffered a series of adjournments, until the 6th of October 2022”, said the foundation.
On the basis of the incessant adjournments, the plaintiff’s lawyer applied that the charges against Sunday should be dismissed for want of diligent prosecution.
