The Foundation for Digital Justice (FDJ) has secured the release of 16 men who spent more than a month in Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos after being charged with unlawful assembly and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The men – Ayo Oladimeji (20), Kudus Issa (21), Segun Olakunle (23), Olowu Samuel (20), Raji Taofik (51), Isiaka Abiodun (20), Chijindu Samuel Ikenna (22), Richard Johnson (29), Samuel Muritala (35), Kabiru Bello (27), Daniel Emmanuel (21), Amisu Nasiru (22), Olatunde Tobi (22), Wasiu Lasisi (20), Toyin John (18), and Monday Momoh (38) – were arrested on 10 September 2026 and detained until their release on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
They were accused of gathering at the 1004 Housing Estate traffic light, Civic Centre junction, along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, at about 12:00hrs on 10 September 2026. The State alleged that they formed an unlawful assembly, conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by shouting, harassing passers-by and attacking motorists.
FDJ’s Intervention
FDJ’s legal team first encountered the detainees during a monitoring visit to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in September. The legal team, consisting of Omobola Olayanju and Ezekiel Adetunji, took up their cases.
When the matter came up for mention on Thursday, 15 October, the judge inquired about the Foundation’s plans for the men once released. Counsel informed the court that FDJ’s work goes beyond securing liberty and includes supporting the men’s reintegration into society.
Although the defendants faced charges that the legal team described as unjust, the court directed all the men to perform community service. They were ordered to clean the entire courtroom before their release warrants could be issued. After completing the task, the men were discharged.
When poverty becomes a crime
Speaking on the case and FDJ’s intervention, the Executive Director, Festus Ogun affirmed that the men were charged to court by the Police for “shouting at the top of their voices” and unjustly detained at Ikoyi Prison for over a month with their only crime being that they were poor and, perhaps, homeless.
He stated, “We maintain that no Nigerian should be arrested, prosecuted, or detained simply for being poor or homeless, especially in a country where millions struggle to survive in abject poverty and tattered penury.”
“Those responsible for the conditions that condemn people to poverty and homelessness must be held accountable. They are the very ones who should be behind bars, certainly not the innocent victims of their misrule,” he added.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding mass incarceration in Lagos and prolonged detention on minor charges. FDJ remains committed to monitoring similar cases and supporting access to justice for those caught in the system. We will continue to fight for everyday Nigerians, whether offline or online.
