A technician who left his home in Lagos State to repair the air conditioner of a customer but ended up in prison custody where he spent more than one year has now regained his freedom.
The man, whose name was given simply as Yinusa, had learnt electrical work, including repairing air conditioners. On May 17, 2025, one of his customers called him to come and pick up an air conditioner that needed repairs.
It was already late when Yinusa left the customer’s house with the AC. However, while he was on a motorcycle, he and the rider were stopped at OPIC Estate by the police and after he was questioned regarding the item, he was arrested.
The policemen were said to have accused Yinusa of stealing an air conditioner belonging to the estate secretariat after one of the estate executives had earlier reported the alleged theft.
Yinusa explained that he did not live in the estate and also gave the police the details of the customer who had asked him to take the air conditioner for repairs. The officers didn’t listen to his explanation.
He stayed in police custody for nine days before he was brought before the court on May 26, 2025 and charged with conspiracy and stealing.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of ₦100,000 with two sureties, but due to his inability to meet the bail conditions, he was remanded at Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre, where he remained for more than a year.
His plight got to the attention of an advocacy group that usually visits prisons and courts, the Headfort Foundation for Justice and after hearing from him, one of the lawyers of the foundation began to represent him in court.
The foundation announced the development on its X handle on Friday, September 25, a few days after he regained his freedom.
According to the foundation, when the trial eventually commenced, the prosecution called one witness, but as the lawyer questioned the witness, it became clear that he didn’t see Yinusa steal the air conditioner and he was not present when the alleged theft happened.
In fact, he told the court that he only met Yinusa at the police station after his arrest and he had no evidence showing that Yinusa stole the air conditioner or worked with anyone to steal it.
After several adjournments, the prosecution was unable to produce any other witnesses and eventually closed its case.
The foundation’s lawyer reviewed the evidence presented in court and found that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence linking Yinusa to the alleged theft or conspiracy.
The lawyer therefore filed an application asking the court to discharge and acquit Yinusa for want of diligent prosecution.
The court agreed with the lawyer, saying it found out that the prosecution’s case relied on information the only witness had received from others, rather than anything he had personally witnessed.
On September 11 this year, the court discharged and acquitted Yinusa after spending more than one year in prison custody.
