Lagos Govt Denies Unlawful Detention of Minor in Viral Kirikiri Video

The Lagos State Government has firmly refuted claims circulating in a viral social media video alleging the unlawful detention of a minor at the Kirikiri custodial center. The government, through the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has labeled these assertions as deliberate misinformation intended to sway public opinion.

According to official records and statements from the Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, the individual in question is Michael Adebiyi, who was 18 years old at the time of his arrest in 2022. He was apprehended alongside Adedeji Kabiru and Adekunle Waris on suspicion of armed robbery. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions has since issued legal advice, establishing a prima facie case against Adebiyi and Kabiru for conspiracy and armed robbery.

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deliberate misinformation

Crucially, the government clarified that the third suspect, Adekunle Waris, was discharged and released due to a lack of evidence linking him to the alleged crimes. This distinction is vital in addressing the narrative presented in the viral video, which appears to conflate or misrepresent the facts of the case.

From our perspective here in Lagos, this situation highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age, especially when it targets the justice system. While the viral video may generate sympathy, the government's detailed response, backed by official records and legal proceedings, underscores the importance of verifying information. The ongoing trial at the Lagos High Court, with the defense recently filing a no-case submission, will ultimately determine the outcome based on presented evidence, not viral sentiment.

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The legal advice, according to the statement, established a prima facie case against Adebiyi and Kabiru for alleged conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery contrary to Sections 299 and 297(2)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.