A Lagos teenager has regained his freedom after spending nearly four years in custody following his arrest in 2022 over allegations linked to slippers similar to those worn by a complainant.
The teenager, whose name was withheld, was among two defendants whose cases were taken up by the non-governmental organisation, Citizens Gavel, after its legal team encountered them during a visit to the Medium Security Correctional Centre in January 2024.
According to Citizens Gavel, the teenager had remained in custody since 2022 without being brought before a court. The organisation said its lawyers discovered that he had allegedly been arrested because he was wearing slippers similar to those belonging to the complainant.
The legal organisation said it intervened after discovering the case and began tracking the matter through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Citizens Gavel said it made its first appearance in the case in March 2024 and subsequently appeared before Justice Coker on more than seven occasions as proceedings were repeatedly adjourned.
It said the prosecution failed to present any witness despite the numerous adjournments, prompting its legal team to file applications seeking to have the case struck out.
The organisation later learnt in early 2025 that Justice Coker had been assigned to an official duty and that the case would be transferred to another court.
Citizens Gavel said it resumed efforts to locate the case and eventually discovered that it had been transferred to the court of Justice Oshodi.
The legal team appeared before Justice Oshodi in March 2025, where the charges were read to the two defendants and they pleaded not guilty.
At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, Citizens Gavel filed a No Case Submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring the defendants to defend themselves.
The court subsequently upheld the submission and discharged and acquitted both defendants.
Citizens Gavel described the ruling as a significant outcome, noting that the two defendants had spent years in custody without any member of their families appearing in court or another lawyer representing them.
The organisation said the case highlighted the difficulties faced by people who remain in custody for extended periods without their matters being effectively prosecuted.
The two defendants have now regained their freedom following the court’s decision.
