An elderly Lagos man, Idowu Fashola, has recounted his harrowing experience after being accused of sexually assaulting a young girl who lived with his family for several years.
Fashola explained that the girl was placed in his care by his wife from the age of three for upbringing and training, staying with them until she reached secondary school before returning to her parents.
According to Fashola, the girl’s family later brought police involvement, alleging that he had raped her. This accusation triggered a protracted legal battle, during which he was held in custody for seven years.
Fashola said he was eventually exonerated by the court, which found that there was no evidence to support the charges and discharged him.
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The man described the ordeal as emotionally taxing, highlighting the toll of long-term detention for an allegation that was ultimately unsubstantiated.
The case has sparked conversations on social media about the impact of prolonged detention on innocent lives, with many users reflecting on the broader consequences of delayed justice in Nigeria.
Some commentators noted that the emotional strain on individuals wrongfully imprisoned often extends beyond the accused to families and communities affected by such cases.
Fashola’s story underscores ongoing concerns regarding judicial efficiency, due process, and human rights protections in the country, emphasizing the need for timely investigations and fair trials to prevent long-term miscarriages of justice.