After more than a decade behind bars, Sergeant Emmanuel Uyanweke, a police officer from the Ojo Police Division in Lagos State, has been released following a ruling by Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). The court dismissed his manslaughter case due to a lack of diligent prosecution.
Justice Harrison made the ruling after reviewing an application submitted by Uyanweke’s counsel, Yusuf Nurudeen, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Public Interest Law and Development (FPIL&D), a non-profit organization that undertook the case pro bono.
Nurudeen explained that Sgt. Uyanweke was arrested on August 18, 2013, after an incident in Okokomaiko, Lagos, that resulted in the death of Adams Bello. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter and had remained in detention awaiting trial ever since.
The counsel detailed that Uyanweke was presented before a Magistrate Court in Ebute Meta for remand proceedings on March 23, 2015, and later arraigned on a single charge of ‘Involuntary Manslaughter’ at the Lagos High Court before Hon. Justice Akintoye on February 14, 2018.
He pointed out that the case had faced numerous delays and reassignments, and the prosecution had failed to produce any witnesses to support their claims against Uyanweke, resulting in his prolonged detention of 11 years and two months without trial.
Nurudeen argued in court that his client’s extended detention was illegal and violated Sections 35(4) and 36(4) of the Constitution, as well as Section 232 of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (as amended in 2021).
He urged the court to dismiss the charges due to lack of diligent prosecution and to release the accused.
The prosecution counsel, I.A. Erikitola, acknowledged the absence of their witnesses and deferred the matter to the court’s discretion.
Justice Harrison agreed with the defense’s arguments and subsequently dismissed the manslaughter charge, ordering Uyanweke’s release.
Commenting on the ruling, Yusuf stated, “Uyanweke’s case underscores the necessity for diligent prosecution and highlights the urgent need for reforms to prevent similar instances of prolonged detention without trial.”
He added that his foundation, also known as The Pro Bono Centre, will continue to advocate for judicial and human rights reforms while providing legal support to the underserved by connecting them with volunteer lawyers willing to offer pro bono legal services.
It is noteworthy that in November of last year, FPIL&D also facilitated the release of another police officer, Enejo Gabriel, after a decade of incarceration. Earlier in 2023, they secured the release of Muideen Bilau, who had spent nine years at Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre.
