“How I Spent 24 yrs in Prison for Following Friend to Police Station” Man Recounts Ordeal of Injustice

Lukman Adeyemi’s journey through Nigeria’s justice system serves as a stark reminder of its flaws and the dire consequences of wrongful convictions. What began as a simple act of loyalty turned into a 24-year ordeal behind bars for Adeyemi and his friend Ismaila Lasisi.

In August 2000, after accompanying Lasisi to a police station following a summons, Adeyemi found himself arrested and accused of a heinous crime he knew nothing about. Despite his innocence, Adeyemi endured nine years in pre-trial detention and another agonizing 15 years on death row. His experience included harrowing interrogations by SARS officers, where he was coerced into confessing to crimes under duress.

Throughout his incarceration, Adeyemi faced skepticism and despair as he attempted to prove his innocence to a justice system that seemed indifferent to his plight. It was only through the intervention of the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), led by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, that Adeyemi saw a glimmer of hope.

On June 14, 2024, Adeyemi and Lasisi finally tasted freedom. The CJMR, after thorough review and advocacy, presented evidence proving their innocence to the Board of Mercy. The real perpetrators had confessed, affirming Adeyemi and Lasisi’s innocence.

Reflecting on his wrongful imprisonment, Adeyemi expressed gratitude to all who supported him, acknowledging the profound impact of organizations like CJMR in fighting for justice. He emphasized the need for reforms within the justice system to prevent similar injustices from befalling others.

Currently, Adeyemi and Lasisi are undergoing recovery and reintegration at CJMR Halfway Home, supported by efforts from the Nigeria Correctional Service and various judicial bodies committed to righting wrongful convictions.

The case of Lukman Adeyemi underscores the critical role of advocacy and legal intervention in restoring justice and offering hope to those unjustly imprisoned.