By Henry Ojelu

LAGOS—The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video alleging the unlawful detention of a minor, Michael Adekunle, at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre, describing the narrative as misleading and an attempt to generate public sympathy.

The reaction followed a video by social media influencer Seaking, who claimed that during a visit to the facility, the detainee said he was 14 years old at the time of his arrest in 2023 but was recorded by police as 18. The influencer also alleged that the suspect was made to adopt the name Michael Adebiyi instead of Michael Adekunle.

However, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, clarified that the individual in custody is Michael Adebiyi, who was 18 years old at the time of his arrest.

Pedro said Adebiyi was arrested in 2022 alongside two others, Adedeji Kabiru and Adekunle Waris, over alleged armed robbery.

He explained that the Ministry of Justice received the case file on January 6, 2023, and issued legal advice on January 25, 2023, after reviewing evidence from the police. The review established a prima facie case against Adebiyi and Kabiru for conspiracy and armed robbery under Sections 299 and 297(2)(a) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

According to him, Adekunle Waris was recommended for discharge after investigations failed to link him to the offences.The Attorney-General added that charges were filed against Adebiyi and Kabiru before the High Court on May 31, 2023. 

The case was initially assigned to Justice A.J. Coker but was later reassigned to Justice Hakeem Oshodi.

He further disclosed that the prosecution has called its witnesses and closed its case, while the defence has filed a no-case submission, with the matter adjourned to July 1, 2026, for hearing.

Pedro stressed that at no point during the trial did the defendant or his counsel raise any issue regarding age or identity before the court.

“The facts contained in the defendant’s extra-judicial statement clearly show that his name is Michael Adebiyi and that he was 18 years old at the time of arrest,” he said.

The Attorney-General urged the public to disregard the viral video, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and inflame sentiments in favour of the defendant.