Girl, 20, Regains Freedom After 4 Years in Kirikiri Prison For Phone Theft

«§» 4 July 2012

20-year-old Blessing Effiong has finally regained her freedom today (July 4, 2012) after almost four years in Kirikiri prisons for being in possession of a stolen phone.

She pled guilty today to section 430 (1) of the criminal code of Lagos state 2003. In layman’s language – being in possession of something suspected of being stolen or fraudulently obtained; an offense that carries 6 months imprisonment.

The court today sentenced her to six months imprisonment but having served almost four years already, she was released and allowed to go.

Blessing’s story

The case of Blessing Effiong perhaps typifies the injustice suffered by the poor in the Nigerian society.

The Akwa-Ibom indigene, who was interviewed by the Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Ade Ipaye, and representatives of the Office of the Public Defender, during a visit to the prisons to evaluate the number of awaiting trial persons there, narrated in detail how she had been incarcerated since the age of 16 because she could not afford the services of a lawyer.

She said, “In 2008, I bought a Starcomms phone for N10,000 in order to start a business centre. A few days later, a man called me and said the phone was stolen from him. I told the man I didn’t know it was stolen. We had an agreement that I should return the phone and he would refund my money.

“I gave the man my address but when he got to my place, he said the phone was stolen from him along with his laptop and some other vital documents. He accused me of being a thief, called the police and had me arrested. I was charged with robbery and have been in Kirikiri since then as my trial has yet to begin.”

Effiong said she was arrested at her guardian’s house in Ebute-Meta but was transferred to the Agboju Police Division from where she was taken to an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court.

She said although she was 16 at the time of her arrest, the Investigating Police Officer claimed she was 21 so that she would be tried as an adult.

“I told the IPO that I was only 16 years old and that I knew nothing about the stolen phone but the IPO wrote 21 on my statement and claimed I was lying about my age. I was arraigned as an adult,” she said.

Effiong added that even after four years, her trial had not begun as the court was said to be awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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Posted: at 4-07-2012 03:49 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

imagine

Posted: at 4-07-2012 04:27 PM (11 years ago) | Addicted Hero

Shame to Nigeria justice system, if it's in Holland she will smile home with about 146,000 euro ie 100 per day for 1460 days as compensation.

Posted: at 4-07-2012 04:50 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

that is naija for u

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Posted: at 4-07-2012 05:09 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Its unfair

Posted: at 4-07-2012 05:26 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

COULD YOU JUST IMAGINE! DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE INSIDE THERE IN PRISON SUFFERING FOR WHAT THEY DID'NT KNOW ABOUT, NOT TO TALK OF THOSE THAT HAS BEEN KILLED!  IF YOU DONT HAVE MONEY OR PERSON IN NIGERIA, NA SORRY BE YOUR NAME. WHAT A WICKED COUNTRY! IS A PITY!  GIRL, I THANK GOD FOR YOUR LIFE JARI, IMAGINE SOMEONE WILL BE IN THE PRISON WAITING FOR TRIAL FOR OVER THREE YEARS!  CHAI!!!

Posted: at 4-07-2012 05:46 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Just imagin,even if she stole the phone,she shouldn't have gotten 4 yrs. in jail,Most
of our politicians stole & still stealing our money in hard currencies,nothing is done to them
poor gurl.This 9ja for you.

Posted: at 4-07-2012 05:58 PM (11 years ago) | Upcoming

 

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Posted: at 4-07-2012 06:31 PM (11 years ago) | Upcoming

 NAIJA una too much!!! coffee wey I dey drink for hia comot for my nose as I read this .

Posted: at 4-07-2012 07:11 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

The punishment was very harsh, but she committed a crime and she served her time.

Posted: at 4-07-2012 07:44 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac