A routine court day took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when a young mother, brought into the courtroom in prison uniform and clutching her one-month-old baby, regained her freedom after months in detention.
Barrister Ogoke Arinze Alex had not been scheduled to appear before the court. In fact, he was informed just minutes before arrival that his matter was not listed for the day due to an error from the registrar. Ordinarily, he says, he would have returned to his office. But an inner nudge compelled him to enter the courtroom regardless.
What happened next revealed a grim reality of the justice system.
A woman in her early twenties, identified as John Mary, walked into the courtroom carrying her infant. She had reportedly given birth inside prison barely a month ago. Arrested in April for a misdemeanor while pregnant, she had remained in custody ever since. Even more troubling, she had been standing trial without legal representation.
Barrister Alex approached her quietly and asked about her case. Moments later, when her matter was called, he rose and announced appearance on her behalf.
The prosecution was unprepared. The complainant was absent. Records showed repeated adjournments where the state failed to appear or progress the matter. Relying on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Lagos, and relevant judicial precedents, Alex urged the court to strike out the case and acquit the young mother.
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. A.K. Dosunmu Uthman agreed.
In a ruling that drew applause across the courtroom, the charge was struck out and the defendant was discharged and acquitted on the spot.
The young mother who walked in wearing prison clothes walked out a free woman — her baby in her arms.
For Barrister Alex, it was a moment of profound conviction.
“I left the courtroom smiling, deeply convinced that God directed my steps today,” he said.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about pre-trial detention, access to legal representation, and the treatment of pregnant women within Nigeria’s justice system.