Crime/Social Justice
Henry freed after 19-Month ordeal over false theft allegation
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
24 Oct 2025 05:30 PM
Ogba, Lagos – In a heartwarming turn of events, Henry, a young man from Plateau State, has been freed after spending 19 months entangled in a legal battle over a cable he did not steal.
The case, which highlights the challenges faced by the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria’s justice system, was resolved with the intervention of the Headfort Foundation for Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for human rights and access to justice.
The ordeal began in January 2024 when Henry, a factory worker in Lagos, discovered an abandoned cable on his workplace premises after returning from a Christmas break. Acting in good faith, he reported the find to the security guard, who confirmed the cable was not in use.
However, later that day, Henry was summoned by the Human Resources department and accused, alongside the security guard, of vandalizing company property. Despite his innocence, the situation escalated when police were called, leading to the arrest of both men.
While the security guard was released on bail, Henry was not afforded the same opportunity. He alleges that at the police station, an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) assaulted him with a cutlass and coerced him into signing a statement he did not write after refusing to let the officer draft it for him.
On January 19, 2024, Henry was arraigned on charges of conspiracy and stealing, granted bail of ₦2 million with two sureties—a condition he initially could not meet. This led to his remand at Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre for over a week until the bail was eventually perfected.
Even after being released on bail, Henry’s legal battle dragged on for over a year, marked by endless court adjournments and a lack of progress. The case saw six prosecutors, two magistrates, and three defense lawyers, with Henry traveling from Jos to Lagos for each hearing, bearing the emotional and financial toll of the ordeal.
Justice seemed elusive until August 2025, when the case was referred to the Headfort Foundation for Justice.
The foundation’s lawyer, stationed at their Ogba justice hub, reviewed the case and successfully applied for it to be struck out due to a lack of diligent prosecution by the state. On August 10, 2025, the magistrate discharged Henry, bringing an end to his 19-month fight for freedom.
The foundation hailed the ruling as a victory for fairness and a reminder of the systemic injustices that disproportionately affect the poor and unrepresented.
For Henry, the nightmare is over, but his story serves as a poignant call for reform in the pursuit of justice for all.
The case, which highlights the challenges faced by the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria’s justice system, was resolved with the intervention of the Headfort Foundation for Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for human rights and access to justice.
The ordeal began in January 2024 when Henry, a factory worker in Lagos, discovered an abandoned cable on his workplace premises after returning from a Christmas break. Acting in good faith, he reported the find to the security guard, who confirmed the cable was not in use.
However, later that day, Henry was summoned by the Human Resources department and accused, alongside the security guard, of vandalizing company property. Despite his innocence, the situation escalated when police were called, leading to the arrest of both men.
While the security guard was released on bail, Henry was not afforded the same opportunity. He alleges that at the police station, an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) assaulted him with a cutlass and coerced him into signing a statement he did not write after refusing to let the officer draft it for him.
On January 19, 2024, Henry was arraigned on charges of conspiracy and stealing, granted bail of ₦2 million with two sureties—a condition he initially could not meet. This led to his remand at Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre for over a week until the bail was eventually perfected.
Even after being released on bail, Henry’s legal battle dragged on for over a year, marked by endless court adjournments and a lack of progress. The case saw six prosecutors, two magistrates, and three defense lawyers, with Henry traveling from Jos to Lagos for each hearing, bearing the emotional and financial toll of the ordeal.
Justice seemed elusive until August 2025, when the case was referred to the Headfort Foundation for Justice.
The foundation’s lawyer, stationed at their Ogba justice hub, reviewed the case and successfully applied for it to be struck out due to a lack of diligent prosecution by the state. On August 10, 2025, the magistrate discharged Henry, bringing an end to his 19-month fight for freedom.
The foundation hailed the ruling as a victory for fairness and a reminder of the systemic injustices that disproportionately affect the poor and unrepresented.
For Henry, the nightmare is over, but his story serves as a poignant call for reform in the pursuit of justice for all.
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