NANS: Southwest Coordinator Speaks Following Exoneration From Cultism Charges

Following his exoneration by the court of an allegation of involvement in cultism, Comrade Adegboye Olatunji, the Southwest Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed satisfaction with the development.

Olatunji, who is a former President of the Student Union Government of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, said his troubles were born out of his commitment to his fellow students, especially in their dealings with inconsiderate landlords.

The former SUG president was charged to court along with Taiwo Olanrewaju on February 2020 for alleged membership of the Neo-Black Movement, a cult group.

Giving a breakdown of the events between his charge and exoneration, Olatunji said: “The case was filed before a Chief Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, before His Worship, J.E. Akan.

"I and the other guy were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, unlawful assembly and membership of an unlawful society by the police.

"They said the offences were contrary to Section 69 and punishable under Section 70 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State.

He added: “The court on June 23, 2021, discharged and acquitted the two of us of the charges.

"Even before that, the management of the Polytechnic that initially suspended me because of the case in court restored my studentship.

“In a letter dated June 2, 2020, the management of the school, through the Registrar, Mrs A.F. Osore, wrote me a letter restoring my studentship.

"That was a sequel to the decision of the Academic Board that looked into my case."

The ex-official expressed happiness with the development, noting that it is one of the sacrifices of fighting for his fellow students.

“I am not feeling bitter about the issue, as I see it as one of the sacrifices to make as someone fighting the cause of the people.

"To me what is important is that I have been justified in the end,” Olatunji said.