Friendship Landed Me in Jail: Lukman Adeyemi

Lukman Adeyemi, a Nigerian man, has recounted his harrowing 24-year ordeal in the country’s criminal justice system. Adeyemi was wrongfully arrested, detained, and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. His story highlights the flaws and injustices within the system, leading to prolonged and unjust incarceration.

Adeyemi’s troubles began in 2000 when he accompanied a friend to a police station, only to be arrested and detained alongside him. He was tortured and coerced into confessing to a crime he knew nothing about. Despite his protests of innocence, he was sentenced to death in 2009.

For years, Adeyemi’s cries of innocence fell on deaf ears, with many doubting his story. However, his luck changed when he met the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR), a non-governmental organization that advocates for justice and rehabilitation. The organization, led by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, took up Adeyemi’s case and worked tirelessly to prove his innocence.

After a thorough review of the case, CJMR discovered that the real perpetrators had confessed to the crime, and Adeyemi was exonerated. He was finally released from prison in June 2024, thanks to the efforts of CJMR, the Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Committee for the Board of Prerogative of Mercy.

Adeyemi’s story highlights the need for criminal justice reform in Nigeria. According to Pastor Olujobi, poor lawyering, police misinformation, and the relentless pursuit of convictions contribute to wrongful convictions in the country. CJMR has successfully facilitated the release of over 20 wrongfully convicted individuals and secured the freedom of over 600 unlawfully detained persons in South West Nigeria.

Adeyemi’s case serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been wrongfully accused and imprisoned. His story demonstrates the importance of organizations like CJMR, which work tirelessly to address injustice and promote restorative justice.