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Former Executive Director of ARM Pension Managers Ltd, Mr. Abisola Onigbogi, has expressed his commitment to supporting the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation through its Innocence Project, an initiative dedicated to offering free legal aid to underprivileged Nigerians who have been wrongly accused or unjustly detained.
Onigbogi, who was cleared last year by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, of a wrongful rape allegation, said his personal ordeal had strengthened his commitment to justice and fairness.
“I went through a deeply humbling experience that opened my eyes to the struggles of many innocent Nigerians. Not everyone has the means or voice to defend themselves against false or malicious accusations. The foundation’s Innocence Project gives hope to such people, and I am honoured to support it,” he said.
The Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation operates through two major initiatives — The Innocence Project Ng and The Mercy Project — both aimed at promoting justice and compassion within Nigerian society.
The Innocence Project Ng provides free, quality, and comprehensive legal access to indigent citizens, especially those awaiting trial or serving time for offences they did not commit. The Mercy Project focuses on providing assistance to widows, children, and the elderly — groups considered the most vulnerable in society — through welfare and empowerment programmes.
Onigbogi said his contribution to the foundation would focus on supporting The Innocence Project by funding access to professional legal representation for the wrongly accused.
He expressed concern that many innocent citizens languish in custody simply because they cannot afford competent lawyers.
He said: “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 crime.
“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.”
He commended the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation for its balanced approach to social justice, describing it as a rare blend of legal intervention and humanitarian compassion.
“While the Innocence Project stands for justice, the Mercy Project represents humanity. Together, they embody the kind of Nigeria we must strive to build — one that defends the innocent and cares for the vulnerable,” he stated.
Onigbogi further reaffirmed his intention to contribute both financially and strategically to strengthen the Foundation’s outreach.
“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 gesture, describing it as a meaningful act of empathy and social responsibility.
Ajayi said support from individuals like Onigbogi, who have personally experienced the trauma of false accusation, adds authenticity and momentum to the fight for a fairer justice system.
“With his new commitment, Onigbogi joins a growing list of Nigerians supporting initiatives that seek to reform the justice system and extend compassion to society’s most vulnerable,” Ajayi added.
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