Abuja, Nigeria — Mike Oluwole, the former employer of 26-year-old photographer Nicholas Peter, has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding Nicholas’s recent 10-month incarceration at Keffi Correctional Centre.
Oluwole described Nicholas as having a history of “frivolous behavior, mismanagement, theft, and defamation,” which he claims led to the photographer’s arrest. He recounted an incident where Nicholas attempted to sell a camera lens that later turned out to be stolen. “When he came to my office with the lens, he claimed it belonged to a bedridden friend,” Oluwole explained. “I pressed him for more information, and he signed a statement selling it to me.”
After passing a series of photography tests, Nicholas was hired on a six-month probation with a salary of N70,000. However, Oluwole noted ongoing issues with Nicholas’s financial management, citing repeated defaults on the company’s employee support scheme.
When Nicholas resigned via text, Oluwole expressed disappointment, as he expected a more professional approach. Shortly after, he discovered that an office phone had gone missing. Surveillance footage indicated that Nicholas had returned to the office just before his resignation and was involved in the phone’s disappearance. “I reported him to the police, leading to his arrest,” Oluwole stated.
He further revealed that Nicholas was questioned about the missing phone for several days before the case was escalated to court, where Nicholas eventually confessed to the theft. Despite this admission, the prosecution continued.
As pressure mounted for Nicholas’s release, Oluwole attempted to assist him, sending funds for bail that he later learned were insufficient. “Initially, he claimed the bail was N20,000, but later raised it to N50,000. I became suspicious and instructed them to refund me,” he said.
In response to a viral tweet highlighting Nicholas’s case, Oluwole expressed shock and frustration, claiming that the author of the tweet had not sought his side of the story before posting.
Funke Adeoye, founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, who tweeted about Nicholas’s situation, explained her motivations. “Our foundation provides legal assistance to those who cannot afford representation, including individuals like Nicholas,” she stated. After being informed about his situation by a partner organization, her team intervened and facilitated his release with the help of anonymous donations.
Adeoye clarified that her foundation does not seek funding for itself but rather for individuals in need, emphasizing that her intention was to support Nicholas and not to undermine Oluwole or his business. “I stand by my post; it was meant to raise awareness, not to incite conflict,” she concluded.
The unfolding situation continues to draw attention as both sides present their accounts. Further developments are anticipated.
