Government Responds to Claims of Illegal Detention of Minor
The Lagos State Government has firmly refuted allegations circulating on social media regarding the illegal arrest and detention of a 14-year-old boy named Michael Adekunle at the Kirikiri Protection Center. In a detailed statement, the government characterized these claims as “deliberate misinformation,” designed to mislead the public and elicit sympathy for those involved.
Clarification on Defendant’s Identity and Age
According to Attorney General Lawal Pedro, the individual at the center of this controversy is, in fact, Michael Adebiyi, who is officially documented as being 18 years old at the time of his arrest in 2022. This clarification was essential to counter the assertions made in the viral video, which incorrectly identified him as a minor.
Details of the Arrest and Ongoing Case
Mr. Adebiyi was apprehended by police, alongside two others—Adeji Kabiru and Adekunle Waris—on suspicions of armed robbery. The Attorney General’s office revealed that a duplicate case file was submitted for legal examination on January 6, 2023, and a formal recommendation was given on January 25, 2023. Legal assessments concluded that there was adequate evidence for prosecution, establishing a prima facie case against Adebiyi and Kabiru for robbery and conspiracy, violations of the Lagos State Penal Code.
Release of One Suspect Due to Insufficient Evidence
While the state has moved forward with charges against Adebiyi and Kabiru, it has opted to release Adekunle Waris, citing a lack of evidence linking him to the crime. This action underscores the ongoing investigation and the government’s commitment to a fair judicial process.
Current Status of the Case in Court
The case was officially filed at the Lagos High Court on May 31, 2023, initially assigned to Justice AJ Coker before being reassigned to Justice HO Oshodi following Justice Coker’s deployment for national duties. Prosecutors have indicated that they have concluded their case in the ongoing trial, during which the defense recently filed a no-case submission challenging the prosecution’s evidence. This application was presented to the prosecution on April 23, 2026, with the matter adjourned until July 1, 2026, for further hearings.
Rebuttal to Claims of Age Misrepresentation
The government has specifically countered the assertion that Adebiyi is a minor, stating that both his extrajudicial statements and official records support his identity as an 18-year-old at the time of the arrest, rather than the 14-year-old depicted in the viral content. Notably, throughout the proceedings before both judges, there was no challenge to his age or identity by either the defendant or his legal representatives.
Call for Public Skepticism Regarding Misinformation
In light of this situation, the government has urged the public to disregard the misleading content circulating on social media. The statement emphasized that the allegations lack support from court or prosecutorial records, describing the video as part of a broader attempt to manipulate public sentiment in favor of the defendant. As discussions continue to stir online, the scrutiny on the treatment of suspects within the criminal justice system remains as pertinent as ever.
