In July 2024, two teenage boys were arrested and placed at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys in Lagos after unknowingly handling stolen metal parts while learning skills from a neighbourhood artisan. Despite having no criminal intent, they were detained and faced prosecution.

The boys had spent their 2024 long vacation learning skills from a neighbourhood artisan. During this time, the artisan occasionally instructed them to collect and deliver metal parts to buyers. Unknown to the children, some of these items were stolen. As a result, they were arrested in July 2024. CRJJC was immediately contacted to represent them in court.

CRJJC stepped in to represent them, securing their bail so they could remain with their families throughout the proceedings. Our legal team tirelessly argued that the children had merely followed an adult’s instructions and should not be scapegoated while the actual perpetrator remained unprosecuted.

After seven months of advocacy, the complainant finally agreed to drop the charges in 17 February 2025, following a ₦200,000 settlement facilitated by a generous donor. It was also agreed that the adult responsible would face prosecution.

The case against the two children was therefore successfully dismissed on 17 February 2025. Another victory for justice-involved children.