A Nigerian couple, Mr. Adetunji Conde and Mrs. Ajoke Amudat Conde, are facing criminal prosecution over allegations of misappropriation and breach of trust. However, they insist the charges are false and have petitioned the Inspector General of Police, citing unlawful criminalization, malicious prosecution, and abuse of police power.

In their petition, the couple claims that their case is a civil contractual dispute that has been wrongfully criminalized. They allege that Justice Mabel Segun-Bello, Tobi Bolarin, and Gbenga Ekundayo have misused law enforcement authorities to intimidate and oppress them.

“Despite this matter being purely a civil contractual dispute, Justice Mabel Segun-Bello, Tobi Bolarin, and Gbenga Ekundayo have weaponized the police to intimidate and harass us,” the petition stated.

According to the petition, Justice Segun-Bello invested N100 million in the couple’s company, Elizabeth and Esther Nig Ltd., through Tobi Bolarin and Gbenga Ekundayo. The couple asserts that the investment was governed by a clear contractual agreement, which they have not violated.

Their legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), argues that contractual disputes cannot be criminalized, as upheld by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“The use of state resources for private vendettas undermines public trust in law enforcement and must be sanctioned,” Falana’s law firm, Falana & Falana’s Chambers, stated.

Falana further alleges that Justice Segun-Bello has used her influence to coerce and intimidate the couple.

“Rather than seeking redress through appropriate civil channels, Justice Segun-Bello, Tobi Bolarin, and Gbenga Ekundayo have resorted to police intimidation and coercion,” the petition added.

The petition also highlights that Mrs. Ajoke Amudat Conde, who was not a party to the contract, was unlawfully arrested, detained, and charged, constituting a violation of her constitutional rights.

“Her continued prosecution is unlawful and must be halted immediately,” the petition demands.

Despite these claims, the police are prosecuting the couple for cheating, criminal breach of trust, and personation. The trial is ongoing, with the next court hearing scheduled for March 27, 2025.

However, the couple has written to the Chief Registrar of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court and the Director of Magistracy, FCT, requesting case reassignment, expressing concerns over judicial bias.

They claim that the original magistrate withdrew from the case after granting bail, and that Justice Segun-Bello has exerted undue influence to manipulate proceedings.

“We have lost confidence in the trial magistrate. We respectfully seek urgent intervention to reassign our case to another court to ensure impartiality,” the petition reads.

The couple also alleges that Justice Segun-Bello pressured them into signing an unfair liquidation agreement outside of the court process.

“Justice Segun-Bello has demanded a one-sided liquidation agreement without any legal recourse. This amounts to subtle blackmail,” the petition states.

Furthermore, they claim that she has vowed to send them back to prison by 2025, reinforcing their fear of a biased trial.

“Her influence has turned what was a business agreement into a criminal case. We have already endured unjust imprisonment and remain at risk of further victimization,” the couple stated.

In a recent development, Femi Falana (SAN) has written to the Inspector General of Police, urging an immediate investigation into the matter.

“We urge you to investigate this matter and ensure that justice is served,” Falana demanded.

As the legal battle continues, the couple remains resolute in their fight for justice.

“We will not be intimidated or silenced,” said Mr. Conde. “We will continue to fight for our rights and demand that justice be served.”

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