…The Apprentice is lying, says DPO
Juliana Francis
The Executive Director of the Esther Child Rights Foundation, Ms Esther Ekwem, has called for urgent intervention by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), following a formal complaint by a Lagos-based apprentice, John Chidera, who alleges years of exploitation, threats to his life against his boss, and unlawful detention, torture and forced statements by personnel of the Lagos State Police Command.
Chidera submitted a detailed statement accusing his former employer, Mr. Okonkwo Onyekachi Michael of Festac Town, Lagos State, of maltreatment after eight years of service in his footwear business.
According to Chidera, he was handed over to Okonkwo in 2017 by his late mother under an oral agreement that he would serve for five years and be settled afterwards.
“I worked diligently and remained loyal to my employer and the business throughout my service, even though I experienced occasional maltreatment. I endured it in good faith, believing my settlement would be done at the end of my service,” he stated.
Chidera alleged that several workers who previously served under Okonkwo were dismissed without settlement, including his younger brother, who reportedly served for over three years.
Despite these concerns, he said he remained committed to his duties and was later promoted to company manager.
He further explained that before completing the agreed five-year period, his mother, who was the principal witness to the agreement, passed away.
Following the completion of his service, Chidera said his father contacted the employer regarding settlement, but Okonkwo requested an additional year to raise funds.
“At the end of the extra year, my father returned with a witness, but my employer again pleaded that I stay to train a replacement before leaving. I accepted in good faith and trained his wife’s nephew in the business,” Chidera said, noting that these extensions increased his total service period to eight years.
Chidera alleged that his working and living conditions worsened during the final year, claiming he was subjected to persistent verbal abuse and physical assault.
“My employer openly stated that he would no longer settle me and made severe threats against my life. On one occasion, he assaulted me with a stick,” he alleged.
He maintained that his agreed settlement package included a shop stocked with goods and ₦5 million to enable him to start his own business.
The complainant further alleged that in November, shortly before his expected settlement, an audit conducted by his employer claimed that ₦18 million was missing from the business, a claim he disputed.
“The auditor claimed ₦18 million was missing, but outstanding debts owed to the business were not considered,” he said.
Chidera also accused his employer of involving law enforcement to intimidate him. He claimed he was detained at a police station on November 30, where his phone was seized and he was denied communication with his family until December 12, when his family allegedly paid ₦150,000 to secure his release.
“Despite my release, I was forced to return to my employer’s house, where I was confined and restricted from movement and communication,” he alleged.
He further claimed he was re-arrested on December 19, transferred to another police officer, and subjected to severe mistreatment that resulted in injuries and forced statements. According to him, his brothers were also arrested on false accusations.
Chidera said he and one of his brothers were eventually released on December 30 after another payment of ₦165,000 was made.
He further alleged that during a peace meeting in their village, his employer demanded ₦28 million from him and threatened re-arrest if he failed to produce ₦5 million immediately.
“At this point, having exhausted all peaceful options, my family and I reported the matter to human rights authorities for intervention and justice,” he stated.
The apprentice also identified two police officers allegedly involved in the case, named as Supo Abbah and Supo Aliah.
Ms Ekwem called on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure justice is served, stressing the need to protect vulnerable apprentices from exploitation and abuse.
When the reporter reached out to Mr. Okonkwo to get his side of the story, he directed the reporter to the Festac Police Station for details of his position.
The reporter also contacted the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, who subsequently contacted the Festac Police Station.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Festac Police Station stated that the apprentice was not being truthful.
According to him, the apprentice was not tortured in any way, stressing that he does not believe in the use of torture as a policing method. He added that he is known for professionalism in the discharge of his duties.
He further stated: “During our investigation, we discovered that the apprentice defrauded his boss. In fact, the boss broke down in tears. The apprentice confessed to stealing his boss’s money. He used part of the money to organise a birthday party for his girlfriend and bought an iPhone worth ₦2.8 million, despite being an apprentice.
“He has a lawyer, and if he had truly been tortured, his lawyer would have taken legal action against us. Instead, the apprentice is the one pleading with us not to take the matter to court, along with his lawyer, who is advocating for an amicable settlement. If the matter proceeds to court, the apprentice could face imprisonment. You may visit the Festac Police Station for more facts on the matter.”
