LAGOS — Former Executive Director of ARM Pension Managers Ltd, Mr. Abisola Onigbogi, says his harrowing experience of being wrongly accused has deepened his resolve to support efforts that promote justice and fairness for the innocent.
Onigbogi, who was cleared last year by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, of a false rape allegation, announced his support for the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation (SAAF) through its Innocence Project, which provides free legal aid to indigent Nigerians who have been wrongly accused or unjustly detained.
Speaking in Lagos, Onigbogi said his ordeal opened his eyes to the plight of many Nigerians who suffer in silence due to false accusations and lack of access to quality legal representation.
“I went through a deeply humbling experience that showed me how easily lives can be destroyed by unverified claims,” he said.
“Not everyone has the means or voice to defend themselves against false or malicious allegations. The Innocence Project gives hope to such people, and I am honoured to support it.”
The Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation runs two key programmes — The Innocence Project Ng and The Mercy Project — both dedicated to advancing social justice and compassion across Nigeria.
While The Innocence Project Ng focuses on providing free and professional legal representation to wrongly accused or indigent citizens awaiting trial, The Mercy Project offers welfare and empowerment support to widows, children, and the elderly — groups considered most vulnerable in society.
Onigbogi explained that his personal contribution will focus on funding legal assistance for persons unjustly detained or awaiting trial without proper representation.
He lamented that many Nigerians remain in custody for years simply because they cannot afford competent lawyers.
“The Innocence Project is not only about freeing the innocent; it’s about fixing a justice system that too often punishes the poor instead of fighting crime,” he said.
“Every Nigerian deserves a fair hearing and legal defence. My goal is to help ensure that those without means are not abandoned to their fate.”
Commending the foundation for what he described as a “balanced approach to justice and compassion,” Onigbogi noted that its twin focus on legal aid and humanitarian welfare reflects the kind of society Nigeria should aspire to build.
“While the Innocence Project stands for justice, the Mercy Project represents humanity,” he said.
“Together, they embody the kind of Nigeria we must strive to build — one that defends the innocent and cares for the vulnerable.”
Onigbogi reaffirmed his intention to contribute both financially and strategically to strengthen the foundation’s outreach, describing his gesture as a moral duty rather than philanthropy.
“This is not charity; it is a duty to humanity. I am determined to help ensure that no one suffers the pain of wrongful accusation or detention simply because they are poor,” he said.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Ife Ajayi, welcomed Onigbogi’s support, describing it as a meaningful act of empathy and social responsibility.
According to Ajayi, support from individuals who have personally experienced the trauma of false accusation adds authenticity and drive to the fight for a fairer justice system.
“With his commitment, Mr. Onigbogi joins a growing list of Nigerians who are standing up for justice reform and compassion for society’s most vulnerable,” Ajayi added.
