Today Justice smiled on young Segun after spending seven months in Ilesha Prison without trial.

Segun who was charged on three counts charge in the Ilesha Magistrate court 3 for conspiracy to commit a felony, Housebreaking and stealing, was arraigned 18th September 2018.

While briefing the Rehab team when visited in Ilesha Prison on 8th of February 2019, Segun narrated how he became a victim of circumstances. He explained how as a commercial motorcyclist he was flagged down by a young man (who is now at large) to carry him and his items. While on the spot, some group of people ran towards them calling them thieves.

On sighting the mob, the passenger ran away leaving him behind. All attempt to convince the mob of his innocence fell on deaf ears. He was latter handed over to the police, who arraigned him.

The case having suffered several adjournments at the instance of the Prosecution was adjourned to today for hearing. When it appears that the prosecution was not ready to call in any witness, Uyi Samuel Oni submitted on behalf of the defendant that:

The defendant having been arraigned on the 18th day of September 2018 has already spent approximately seven months in Prison custody. He further submitted that the prosecution has shown lack of interest by failing to call any witness, not even the complaint in this matter. More so, he highlighted the law as contained in section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which presumes everyone innocent until found guilty by a competent court in Nigeria. Consequently, He made application for the matter to be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.

In a considered ruling, the Learned Magistrate, while upholding the Defendant’s counsel submission struck out the matter for want of diligent prosecution.

Segun was reunited with his family in Ilesha, Osun state, counselled by a member of the Rehab Team , Ayinla Rukayat before left to enjoy his freedom with his family.

It would be recalled that the Rehab Project was inaugurated in January 2019, as a NYSC, community development service initiative of Uyi Samuel Oni, aimed towards prisoners and Ex-convict reforms and integration.