Man Freed After 10 Years in Custody Without Conviction as Court Slams Institutional Failures

In a landmark decision that underscores systemic failures within the justice system, the Lagos State High Court has finally freed Ibrahim Usman, who endured a decade in custody without ever being convicted of a crime. Justice Rahman Oshodi's ruling on Tuesday not only acquitted Usman but also strongly criticized the prosecution for its manifestly weak case and the custodial authorities for their grave institutional failures.

The case, which began with allegations of defilement in 2016, saw charges filed nearly a year later. What followed was a disturbing pattern of non-compliance by the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre. Despite numerous production warrants issued by the court, Usman was repeatedly not brought before judges, causing significant delays and leading to the case being struck out once before. Shockingly, the prosecution itself was unaware that Usman remained incarcerated.

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A production warrant issued by a High Court is a lawful command. The custodial authorities’ failure to comply with it in this case is a matter of grave institutional concern.

Justice Oshodi did not mince words, describing the custodial authorities' conduct as 'persistently deficient' and a 'matter of grave institutional concern.' The prosecution's case was further weakened by relying on a single witness, a medical doctor who merely interpreted a report from another doctor who did not testify. Crucially, the prosecution failed to establish the alleged victim's age or provide evidence directly linking Usman to the offense. This judgment serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform to prevent such prolonged detentions and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.

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The prosecution’s evidence was so manifestly insufficient that it required no answer.