The Anti-Cult Alliance Movement (ACAM) has accused the FUNAAB/Harmony Police Division in Abeokuta, Ogun State, of orchestrating a “travesty of justice” against Mr. Babayemi Opeyemi, calling for his immediate and unconditional release from detention.

In a press release issued on Wednesday and obtained by News Express, ACAM said its review of a three-count charge against Babayemi revealed the case is “founded on falsehoods, coercion, flawed reasoning, and unlawful collusion” between police officers and a private employer, Mr. Mobolaji Balogun.

“No innocent Nigerian should be made to suffer for an offence he or she did not commit,” said ACAM National Coordinator Akin Okunowo. “Mr. Babayemi Opeyemi must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

‘Logically Impossible’ Allegations

ACAM outlined seven “critical flaws” in the police allegations, starting with a lack of evidence. The group stated that the prosecution relies solely on a “confessional statement” authored by a police officer, which Babayemi was “compelled to sign” under duress.

“A confession obtained under duress has no evidential value in law and is morally indefensible,” ACAM said, citing the principle that “he who alleges must prove.”

The group also flagged an “inconsistent timeline” in the charge sheet signed by the Divisomal Police Officer, SP. Olajide Michael. Police allege Babayemi and Ms. Rofia Oyinade conspired and stole N1.7 million on February 3, 2026 — the same day both were released on bail after four and six days in custody, respectively.

“It is logically impossible for an individual in police custody for four days to commit conspiracy and theft… on the very same day of his release,” ACAM stated. It added that the charge sheet also claims Babayemi drafted a petition against the police that same day, which it called “equally implausible.”

From Resignation to Arrest and Torture

According to ACAM, the case originated after Oyinade resigned from Balogun’s employment on January 29, 2026, citing “poor treatment.” Balogun accused her of theft by phone that day. When she returned with her parents to prove she took nothing, Balogun invited police who arrested her.

After two days in detention and under threat, Oyinade disclosed she had previously lent Babayemi N1,000 and N2,000 for transport — a transaction police used as “pretext to summon and arrest Mr. Babayemi,” ACAM said.

At the station, Babayemi was allegedly “tortured and abused” to confess to defrauding the company of N2.5 million and using his share for house rent and school fees. ACAM countered: “His house rent remains unpaid. His children attend public schools where no tuition fees are charged.”

Extortion, Debt Collection, and Petition as Crime

ACAM accused police of acting as “private debt collectors” after Balogun claimed Babayemi was liable for N750,000 because he “recommended Oyinade for employment”. “There is no legal basis in Nigeria for criminalizing a job referral,” the group stated.

Before their February 3 release, police allegedly extorted N70,000 from Babayemi — N50,000 as “deposit” toward the N750,000 and N20,000 for bail. Release was conditioned on paying N750,000 in instalments for a debt ACAM insists they “did not owe.”

After Babayemi resigned and petitioned the Ogun State Commissioner of Police for a refund, he was re-arrested on April 12, 2026 “in a manner amounting to abduction” and arraigned on new charges: theft of N1.7 million and “breach of peace for writing a petition against the Nigeria Police Force… after you have given a confessional statement”.

“The act of submitting a petition to seek redress is not, and cannot be, a criminal offence,” ACAM declared. It noted Oyinade, who did not petition, was not arraigned on April 14, while Babayemi “who sought justice through lawful petition, was targeted with fabricated new charges intended to silence him.”

ACAM makes Five-Point Demand, Launches ‘Reform Police’ Initiative

ACAM said the case confirms “systemic” corruption despite IGP directives, with some officers acting with impunity under protection of superiors who “benefit from corrupt proceeds.”

While welcoming contact from Ogun Attorney-General Oluwasina Ogungbade, who said his office will “examine the matter and expedite justice”, ACAM listed five demands:

1. Immediate and unconditional release of Babayemi Opeyemi.

2. Full reimbursement of N70,000 extorted from him and all sums from Oyinade.

3. Comprehensive reinvestigation by the IGP into SP. Olajide Michael, PC Olabode Olawale, and all officers at FUNAAB/Harmony Division.

4. Criminal prosecution, not merely administrative sanctions, for culpable officers.

5. Arrest and prosecution of Mr. Mobolaji Balogun for false criminal defamation, conspiracy, and misleading law enforcement.

ACAM also announced a new movement, “Reform Police in Nigeria,” with handles @ReformPolice on social platforms and @ReformPoliceNgr on X, plus email reformpoliceng@gmail.com. It urged victims of police abuse to submit complaints using #ReformPoliceNg.

“This is not anti-police. It is pro-justice and pro-accountability because enough is enough! Petition is not a crime!” the release signed by Akin Okunowo stated.

The next court date is April 30, 2026.

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