In a stark revelation of injustice within the Nigerian criminal justice system, Lukman Adeyemi recounts his 24-year imprisonment, a consequence of a misguided act of loyalty towards a friend. His story highlights systemic flaws leading to prolonged and unjust incarceration.
Adeyemi describes his ordeal as a descent into hopelessness, spending nine years in pre-trial detention followed by 15 years on death row. He endured torturous conditions, both physical and psychological, under duress from SARS Police officers who coerced confessions for crimes he did not commit.
Reflecting on his disbelief at being held accountable for another’s actions, Adeyemi questions the integrity and fairness of the system. His decision to accompany his friend to the police station out of loyalty inadvertently led to his wrongful arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Throughout his incarceration, Adeyemi faced skepticism and disbelief when sharing his truth. The prevailing sentiment of doubt added to his misery as he grappled with false accusations and a lack of justice.
A turning point came when the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR) intervened. Led by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, the organization offered support and advocacy, providing a renewed sense of hope.
“I am Lukman Adeyemi, a native of Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government, Oyo State. I am a bricklayer by profession. I was 26 years old when I had this problem. In August 2000, after returning home from work with a friend, Ismaila Lasisi, we were told the police wanted Ismaila to report to the station. I decided to follow him, and we were both arrested. I was tortured nearly to death for a crime I knew nothing about.”
Adeyemi recounted being wrongfully charged with the murder of a woman hired by Ismaila’s former acquaintances. Despite their limited association, he was entangled in a legal quagmire, ultimately sentenced to death in 2009. His appeals failed, deepening his despair.
“I spent 24 years behind bars like 24 hours, a sleepless night that lasted two decades,” he said.
In June 2023, Deputy Superintendent of Correctional AbdulKareem Awesu introduced Adeyemi’s case to Pastor Olujobi. On July 17, 2023, CJMR visited Ibara Correctional Service and listened to all involved, including the true culprits who exonerated Adeyemi and Ismaila.
Pastor Olujobi and his team reviewed the court judgments and uncovered contradictions in the evidence. They presented their findings to the Attorney-General of Ogun State and the Committee for the Board of Prerogative of Mercy. On June 14, 2024, Adeyemi’s innocence was officially recognized, leading to his release.
Adeyemi expressed gratitude to the CJMR and those who believed in his innocence, reigniting his hope for justice and redemption.
Pastor Olujobi highlighted poor lawyering, misleading police information, and relentless prosecutors as key factors in wrongful convictions. The CJMR has successfully facilitated the release of over 20 wrongfully convicted individuals and secured the freedom of more than 600 unlawfully detained people in South West Nigeria.
With support from the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Committee for Board of Mercy, Ogun, Adeyemi and Ismaila’s innocence was recognized, and the real perpetrators confessed.
Currently, Adeyemi and Ismaila are at the CJMR Halfway Home, undergoing recovery and reintegration. They express gratitude to all who contributed to their freedom, acknowledging the challenges faced and lives lost during their wrongful imprisonment.
