Rep member secures release of wrongfully convicted underage in Oyo

Member Federal House of Representatives, representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency of Oyo State, Hon. Akin Alabi, has successfully secured the release of Tunde Kazeem, a young man wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2016 for a rape case, despite being a minor at the time of his arrest.

Confirming the development, media aide to Hon. Akin Alabi, Hameed Mustapha Ramadan, said the boy has been reunited with his family and that he is free from further charges.

It was gathered that Tunde had been tried and convicted as an adult, leading to his 8-year incarceration in Agodi prison, where he developed severe mental health challenges due to the harsh conditions.

The turning point in Tunde’s case came on May 15, 2024, after his family reached out to Hon. Alabi’s “Better Call Akin” service, a free legal initiative designed to assist those in need. Through this service, Hon. Alabi and his legal team, led by Hussein Afolabi Esq., filed an appeal that ultimately secured Tunde’s release.

Ramadan informed us that following his release, Tunde and his family have expressed profound gratitude to the lawmaker.

His mother tearfully praised Alabi’s unwavering support, saying, “Without ‘Better Call Akin,’ we had no hope of seeing Tunde again,” she said while offering prayers for Alabi’s future, expressing hope for his success in his upcoming third term.

Hon. Alabi, in a statement, reaffirmed his commitment to holistic community development encompassing not only infrastructure but also justice, education, healthcare, and social welfare.

“This is about more than representation; it’s about ensuring every individual’s dignity and rights are upheld,” Alabi stated.

The Director-General of Akin Alabi Campaign Organisation, Adebowale Amoo, expressed his confidence in Akin Alabi’s leadership, stating, “With Akin Alabi, Egbeda and Ona Ara are in safe hands.”

Alabi also announced that, following Tunde’s release, his team is actively pursuing legal action to seek compensation for the damage caused by the wrongful conviction. He encouraged Tunde to trust the legal process, advising against any form of personal retribution.

Hon. Alabi pledged further pledged financial and medical support for Tunde, underscoring his commitment to helping him rRep member secures release of wrongfully convicted underage in Oyoebuild his life after years of unjust incarceration.

This gesture highlights Alabi’s dedication to not only fighting for justice but also to supporting individuals in their journey towards healing and recovery.

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