Nicholas, a 26-year-old graduate and photographer, has finally regained his freedom after spending 10 months in prison, all because of a resignation text message that allegedly offended his boss. The case, which has captured widespread attention, was brought to light by human rights activist @thefunkeadeoye on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting serious concerns about justice and workplace rights.
Nicholas had decided to part ways with the photography studio where he worked and sent a resignation text to his boss. Unfortunately, the boss, angered by the tone of the message, had Nicholas arrested. He was initially detained for two days, then charged with “intentional insult” and held in a severely overcrowded cell in Keffi, alongside 189 other inmates.
Bail was initially set at ₦100,000 but later reduced to ₦50,000—a sum Nicholas still couldn’t afford. Despite his boss, a politician, eventually withdrawing the charges, Nicholas remained behind bars due to his inability to pay the bail.
His situation took a positive turn when “Hope Behind Bars,” a social justice organization, became aware of his plight. With the support of a generous anonymous donor who covered the remaining bail, Nicholas was finally released.
This is Nicholas. A 26 year old graduate, photographer & Keyboardist.
— Funke Adeoye (@thefunkeadeoye) August 27, 2024
Sometime in October 2023, Nicholas sent a text message to his boss resigning his role as a photographer in the photo studio.
His boss was angry at the content of the text message & got him arrested.
From… https://t.co/0ltSXLUG0W pic.twitter.com/MoCAOb42Yh
