Wrongful Detention: Otasin's Five-Year Ordeal Revealed

Samuel Sunday Otasin, a resident of Agbobiri in Bayelsa, was wrongfully detained for five years following false allegations that he advised his cousin, Samuel Sunday Otasin, to kill his three children on December 18, 2018. The incident involved the cousin reportedly administering a harmful substance to the children, leading to the arrest of the father after one child survived.

Otasin was summoned by the police based on a letter read by the paramount ruler during a council meeting. Upon arrival at the police station on January 14, 2019, he was accused by the arrested cousin of advising him to commit the act.

Despite Otasin's denial, he was detained. After three days, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) indicated that Otasin was not involved but demanded a bail sum of N200,000.

Following legal advice, Otasin chose to remain in custody to contest the charges in court rather than pay the bail.