Jailed at 12—Forgotten for a Decade Emeka Nzeruike walks free at 22—with no trial.

Jailed at 12—Forgotten for a Decade Emeka Nzeruike walks free at 22—with no trial.

The Nigerian World

The news as it trends.

Back in 2015, 12-year-old Emeka Nzeruike was arrested in Nigeria for alleged petty theft.

What should’ve been a minor accusation became a decade-long human rights nightmare. With no trial, no bail, and no legal representation, Emeka was dumped into the prison system—where he remained for ten agonizing years, labeled “awaiting trial.”

Now 22, Emeka has finally regained his freedom after a Lagos court dismissed the case against him as baseless.

His story has rattled the nation, sparking outrage on social media and fierce debate in Nigeria’s blogosphere.

How does a child vanish into the system with no one held accountable?

His ordeal has opened a wider dialogue about Nigeria’s broken justice system—where overcrowding, lack of legal aid, and poor oversight continue to fail the most vulnerable.

Emeka’s release must do more than draw pity—it must fuel reform.

According to many voices across Nigerian blogs and forums, the government and society owe Emeka—and every silenced child—accountability, due process, and justice.

Justice delayed is justice denied. It’s time to rewrite the system—a call echoed by countless voices across social media.

Images / Social Media / NG.