A wrongful NYSC arrest in Akure turns around after Sowore intervenes, ending a distressing Police Ordeal and prompting calls for accountability
Ibrahim Mariam Titilayo reported that her Police Ordeal began on 16 October 2025 when officers from Abuja allegedly arrested her unlawfully in Akure and detained her at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.
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She explained that her iPhone 12 Pro Max, an Itel phone and her WiFi device were seized before she was confronted with phone numbers said to be linked to a kidnapping and murder case from January 2024.
She said the officers, led by Inspector Dauda Adamu of the Force Intelligence Department, claimed that one of the numbers tied to her National Identification Number was connected to the crime.
According to her account, Airtel later confirmed she had only purchased the SIM on 15 April 2025, yet she was threatened with being taken to Abuja and was held overnight in Akure.
By 17 October 2025, Airtel officially verified that the disputed SIM was indeed bought and activated in April, clearing her of the allegation.
Despite this, she stated that the police still moved her phones to Abuja and directed her to report there.
Upon informing her lawyer, Barrister Tope Temokun, she noted that he immediately took up the matter pro bono, filing petitions to the Inspector General of Police and Airtel Headquarters.
She travelled to Abuja and, alongside Barrister Michael Effiwatt, visited the FID office. Even with the confirmation from Airtel, her devices were not released, and she was repeatedly asked to return, leaving her stranded without accommodation.
Her situation, however, took a powerful and dramatic turn when activist Mr Omoyele Sowore arrived at the FID Headquarters after being alerted by her lawyer.
She said Sowore’s presence prompted the immediate release of her phones and brought her extended Police Ordeal to an end.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sowore, Barrister Temokun and the entire TOPE TEMOKUN CHAMBERS team, including Barrister Iretimide Osunyikanmi in Akure, Barrister Michael Effiwatt in Abuja and Miss Monica Ayuba, the Abuja administrative secretary. She described their support in Abuja as selfless and deeply reassuring.
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She has since returned to Akure, saying she remains profoundly grateful for the intervention that restored her freedom and dignity.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
