Published 11th Sep, 2023

By Emmanuel Uti

Headfort Foundation, a prison reform organisation, has shared the harrowing story of Ilolo Ilaolo (pseudonym used), a 20-year-old cattleman who spent six months behind bars due to a false accusation.

According to Headfort, a fellow Ekiti-based cattle farmer accused Ilaolo of stealing 38 cattle in December 2022. That accusation led to Ilaolo’s arrest and subsequent detention in police custody for several days.

He was eventually arraigned in a court in January 2023 and charged with theft.

Ilaolo is 20 years old and hails from Kwara state. He resides in Ekiti state with his family, and rears cattle to make a living. Sometimes in December 2022, he was accused of stealing 38 cattle belonging to his friend who also rears cattle on the same farm. pic.twitter.com/oKagmCz0HH
— Headfort Foundation (Prison Reform Initiative) (@HeadfortF) September 11, 2023

Headfort said Ilaolo crossed paths with one of the foundation’s lawyers who took on his case in April and represented him in court until his eventual release.

“He doesn’t comprehend the English language and there was no interpreter provided for him during his court hearings. On numerous adjourned court dates, the prosecution failed to produce any witnesses, leaving the court’s time seemingly wasted,” Headfort said.

“On June 7, Headfort informed the court about the prosecution’s lack of diligence and Ilaolo’s inability to understand the court’s proceedings.

“The court acknowledged our lawyer’s submission and dismissed the case due to a lack of diligent prosecution.”

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