By Peter Dansu L-R Barr. Babatunde Emmanuel (Defense Counsel hired by Hon. Sesi Whingan), Mr. Awhansu Semione (the accused) and Mr. Dansu P...
By Peter Dansu
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| L-R Barr. Babatunde Emmanuel (Defense Counsel hired by Hon. Sesi Whingan), Mr. Awhansu Semione (the accused) and Mr. Dansu Peter (Media Head of MHR Whingan) |
A 25-year-old Beninoise, Awhansu Simeon, who had spent two months in Badagry Prison over a ₦10,000 job scam, has regained his freedom following the intervention of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency.
Simeon, who speaks neither English nor Yoruba and had no relatives in Nigeria, was arrested after six men allegedly defrauded a fish farmer, Mr. Akpoke Evoh, of ₦60,000 under the guise of offering job placements at his fish pond in Ijebu, Ogun State. While five suspects fled, Simeon was apprehended, arraigned before the Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court, and remanded after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses—without proper legal representation.
The young migrant’s plight, first reported by Badagry Today on July 23, 2025, caught the attention of Hon. Whingan, who immediately instructed his legal aide, Barrister Emmanuel Bankole, to step in as defense counsel. The lawmaker also facilitated the full repayment of ₦60,000 to the complainant.
At Thursday’s hearing, the complainant confirmed he was no longer interested in pursuing the case, having received full reimbursement. Following an application by Simeon’s counsel, Chief Magistrate N. A. Layeni discharged the defendant and ordered his immediate release.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Simeon described Hon. Whingan as “God-sent,” noting that without the lawmaker’s timely intervention, he might have remained in prison indefinitely for a matter as minor as ₦10,000.
A court official praised the intervention, stressing that it highlighted the importance of access to justice, legal representation, and humane consideration within the judicial system.
Reacting to the development, Hon. Whingan reaffirmed his commitment to justice and fairness, particularly for vulnerable groups in border communities like Badagry.
“Justice must not only be about punishment,” he said. “It should also embody fairness, compassion, and the opportunity for second chances—especially for the poor, migrants, and the voiceless in society.”
This is not the first time Hon. Whingan has stepped in to support vulnerable members of the community, a record that continues to earn him commendations for blending compassion with public service.
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