Paul Alawa Maina, Akiliya’s relative, said trouble began when his girlfriend — who worked as a house help — visited him
Lagos resident, identified as Paul Akiliya has remained in Ikoyi Prison since 2019 without a proper hearing in a case involving him and his girlfriend.
According to his family, Akiliya, who hails from Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, relocated to Lagos in 2011 and was working as a security guard at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, before his arrest.
Speaking to A2zgist on Wednesday, Paul Alawa Maina, Akiliya’s relative, said trouble began when his girlfriend — who worked as a house help — visited him. Out of fear of pregnancy, Akiliya gave her salt to drink, believing it would prevent conception. Shortly after returning home, the lady reportedly started bleeding.
“When her madam noticed she was bleeding, she questioned her, and she mentioned Paul’s name. The woman got angry and reported the matter to the police,” Maina said.
He explained that Akiliya was arrested and taken to court before the family could even be informed.
“Since 2019, he has been in Ikoyi Prison because the complainant rarely appears in court whenever the case is scheduled,” he added.
Maina said Akiliya recently informed the family that his next court date is November 4, 2025, at Ikeja.
“We are pleading for assistance and intervention so that justice can be done or at least his case can be properly heard,” he appealed.
Speaking separately to A2zgist, Akiliya’s counsel, Barrister Nwigbo Michael, confirmed that the complainant — the alleged victim — has never appeared in court since the trial began.
“The police and the medical doctor have testified, but their testimonies alone are not enough because they are not eyewitnesses. In law, only the victim can directly confirm the alleged act,” he said.
According to the lawyer, the testimonies presented so far were based on what the complainant allegedly told the police and doctor.
“Since she has refused to appear to corroborate their statements, the court could discharge him for lack of sufficient evidence,” Michael added.
However, despite six years of incarceration without a conclusive trial, Akiliya remains behind bars — caught in a cycle of delayed justice as the key witness continues to evade court appearances.
