Ex-ARM Director Onigbogi funds Legal aid for innocent Nigerians

Former Executive Director of ARM Pension Managers Ltd, Mr. Abisola Onigbogi, has pledged his support to the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation’s Innocence Project, an initiative providing free legal aid to indigent Nigerians wrongly accused or unjustly detained.

Onigbogi, who was cleared last year by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of a false rape allegation, said his personal experience had deepened his resolve to promote justice and fairness in Nigeria.

“I went through a deeply humbling experience that opened my eyes to the struggles of many innocent Nigerians,” he said.

“Not everyone has the means or voice to defend themselves against false or malicious accusations. The Innocence Project gives such people hope, and I am honoured to support it,” he added.

The Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation runs two major programmes-The Innocence Project Ng and The Mercy Project, both designed to promote justice and compassion across society.

While The Innocence Project Ng provides free and quality legal services to citizens wrongly accused or imprisoned, The Mercy Project supports widows, children, and the elderly through welfare and empowerment initiatives.

Onigbogi said his support would focus on strengthening The Innocence Project by funding access to professional legal representation for people unable to afford it.

He expressed concern over the plight of many Nigerians languishing in detention due to lack of legal assistance.

“The Innocence Project is not just about freeing the innocent; it’s about fixing a justice system that too often punishes poverty instead of crime,” he said, adding that “Every Nigerian deserves a fair hearing and competent defence. My goal is to help ensure no one is abandoned to their fate because of financial limitations.”

Commending the Foundation’s holistic approach, Onigbogi described its twin initiatives as a balance of justice and humanity.

“While the Innocence Project stands for justice, the Mercy Project represents compassion. Together, they reflect the kind of Nigeria we must build, one that defends the innocent and protects the vulnerable,” he said.

Onigbogi reaffirmed his intention to contribute both financially and strategically to strengthen the Foundation’s impact.

“This is not an act of charity; it is a duty to humanity. No one should suffer the trauma of wrongful accusation or detention simply because they are poor,” he added.

In his response, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Ife Ajayi, described Onigbogi’s support as a profound act of empathy and civic responsibility.

“Support from individuals like Mr. Onigbogi, who have personally experienced the pain of false accusation, brings authenticity and momentum to the quest for a fairer justice system,” Ajayi said.

He added that Onigbogi’s involvement aligns with the Foundation’s growing network of advocates working to reform Nigeria’s justice system and extend compassion to society’s most vulnerable.