A boy who was arrested at the age of 12 in 2015 for alleged theft has finally been released after spending a decade in prison without trial or legal representation.
Now 22, Emeka Nzeruike regained his freedom thanks to the intervention of a legal team led by a lawyer identified on X (formerly Twitter) as @_youfoundalex.
Sharing the heartbreaking story, the lawyer wrote:
“Today at the prisons, I met a boy who has been behind bars for 10 years. He was imprisoned in 2015 at just 12 years old. Now 22, he had been awaiting trial all this time for an alleged theft. If someone told me this story, I’d find it hard to believe.”
According to the lawyer, Emeka had no access to a lawyer or legal assistance throughout his detention. With the support of colleagues, they took swift legal action to secure his release.“
At the tender age of 12, Emeka Nzeruike was thrown into prison—alone, scared, and forgotten. No trial. No lawyer. No voice. Today, we stood where justice had long been absent. We held his hands, walked him out of court, and gave him back his life. Welcome back, Emeka,” the lawyer added.
The story quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread outrage, compassion, and renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.
