A 17-year-old boy, Michael Adeniyi, has spent nearly three years in detention at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after being arrested in 2023 at age 14 by officers of the Area F Command in Ikeja. In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Adeniyi is seen in distress, pleading for help while wearing torn clothes. "Please help me. I want to leave here. I am suffering here. Even my cloth is already a rag," he said, in tears. An adult voice in the background stated, "You can see he is in prison, and he has been there for doing nothing."
The Take It Back Movement in Lagos has raised concerns over Adeniyi's continued detention, calling it "illegal" and a "tragic case of injustice and systemic failure." According to the group, Adeniyi was remanded after his family could not meet police bail conditions. Others arrested with him were released after reportedly paying for their freedom. The group stated both of Adeniyi's parents died while trying to secure his release. "Today, Michael is 17 years old and remains in remand without justice, without proper care, and without the protection the law ought to guarantee him as a child," the movement said in a May 6, 2026 statement.
The case was last heard on May 4, 2026, and adjourned to June 1, 2026. The exact charges against Adeniyi have not been confirmed. The movement has called on the Lagos State Government to investigate the circumstances of his arrest and detention and to ensure accountability for those responsible.
The Lagos State Government calls for justice and due process while a 17-year-old boy remains in prison for nearly three years without trial, arrested at 14 over unconfirmed charges. His parents died fighting to free him, and he now wears rags behind bars while others accused with him walked free after paying money. The state's failure to act contradicts its public stance on child rights and rule of law. A court date set for June 1, 2026, offers no relief for years already lost.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
