Painter with 3 kids regains freedom after being unjustly detained in Kirikiri prison for 6 years

Nigerian painter identified as Segun Esan has been released from Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Facility, marking the end of a harrowing 6-year ordeal that saw him unjustly imprisoned.

Segun’s release was made possible through the tireless efforts of the Headfort Foundation, a humanitarian organization dedicated to securing justice for individuals who have been wrongfully detained.

Segun Esan, a father of three, was arrested by members of the Lagos State Police Command in 2017 on his way home from work.

The unfortunate incident occurred when the police struck his motorcycle from behind, subsequently seizing the vehicle upon his compliance to stop.

This encounter spiraled into a nightmare for Segun, as he was taken into police custody and later transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Lagos.

Throughout his ordeal, Segun’s family rallied to secure his release, but their efforts were consistently met with frustration.

Despite their attempts to gather funds, his detention persisted, leading to his transfer to the Kirikiri facility where he remained for six long years.

Tragically, Segun’s wife was heavily pregnant at the time of his arrest, and she gave birth on the very day he was imprisoned, robbing him of the joyous experience of witnessing the birth of his child.

“Segun Esan is a talented painter and devoted father of three. Segun’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience, as he was unjustly arrested in 2017 on his way back from work, leaving behind his heavily pregnant wife and two children.

“For six long years, he languished in custody, missing the birth of his third child, who happened to have been born the very day he was imprisoned, and the precious moments of his children’s early years.

“But with the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers and team, we were able to bring hope back into the Esan family’s life by successfully securing Segun’s freedom. It was a moment of pure joy and restoration, as they had all but lost hope in the face of an unjust system,” the Foundation post read.

See below;

Segun Esan is a talented painter and devoted father of three. Segun’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience, as he was unjustly arrested in 2017 on his way back from work, leaving behind his heavily pregnant wife and two children. pic.twitter.com/L3tK64RjMh

— Headfort Foundation (Prison Reform Initiative) (@HeadfortF) August 8, 2023