Mike Oluwole, the former employer of 26-year-old Abuja-based photographer Nicholas Peter, has provided his account of the events leading to Peter’s 10-month detention at the Keffi Correctional Centre. In an interview, Oluwole cited theft, defamation, and mismanagement as key reasons behind the legal actions taken against his former employee.
Oluwole recounted that Nicholas Peter initially approached him to sell a camera lens, which was later discovered to be stolen. Despite Peter’s claim that the lens belonged to a bedridden friend in need of money, Oluwole became suspicious and had him sign a document confirming the sale. Following this, Oluwole offered Peter a job at his company on a probationary basis, with a monthly salary of ₦70,000.
However, Oluwole described Peter as “demanding” and often in financial trouble, leading him to frequently default on the company’s “I owe you” scheme, designed to assist employees with financial burdens until payday. When Peter eventually resigned via text message, Oluwole noted that Peter’s departure coincided with the disappearance of the office phone. CCTV footage later revealed that Peter had returned to the office the day before his resignation, disconnected the camera, and then reconnected it on his way out.
Believing that Peter’s actions were causing significant harm to his business, Oluwole reported the matter to the police, resulting in Peter’s arrest. According to Oluwole, Peter initially denied the theft but eventually confessed after being questioned for several days. However, by that time, the case had already been transferred to court, making it difficult to halt the prosecution process.
Oluwole claimed that despite his efforts to stop the case and facilitate Peter’s release, including sending a letter to the Upper Area Court in Mpape, Abuja, his attempts were unsuccessful. He also expressed skepticism about the bail amount, initially set at ₦20,000 but later increased to ₦50,000, which he eventually paid.
The situation gained widespread attention following a tweet by Funke Adeoye, founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, who highlighted Peter’s prolonged detention. Oluwole criticized the tweet for not presenting his side of the story and alleged that the foundation was attempting to raise funds by exploiting the situation.
Adeoye, however, clarified that her foundation provides free legal services to those who cannot afford representation and had facilitated Peter’s release after learning about his case from a sister organization, Yiaga Africa. She emphasized that the foundation did not seek to raise funds for itself but was focused on assisting Peter.
After his release, Adeoye’s team provided Peter with some financial support and began discussions on reintegration plans. She defended her actions on social media, stating that her intention was to help, not to defame Oluwole or his business.
Peter himself recently shared his harrowing experience during his time in prison, sparking widespread sympathy and support on social media.