The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has expressed outrage over the continued detention of Jesam Michael, CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS), a cryptocurrency investment firm. Michael had reported to the police that one of his staff, Abayomi Segun Olusesan, had hacked into the company’s system and stolen $87 million.
However, instead of arresting Olusesan, the police detained Michael, who has now been in custody for over three weeks.
According to Prince Michael Newgent Ekamon, President of the NDYC, “It is unlawful to detain a complainant, and we question the rationale behind Michael’s continued detention after Olusesan admitted to his crime.” Ekamon wonders why Olusesan is walking free, even with an armed police escort, despite evidence of his crimes, which are evident in his lavish lifestyle.
The police claim that Michael failed to provide verifiable medical records, evidence of legitimate trading practices, and a viable repayment plan for affected investors. However, the NDYC maintains that Michael is not in good health and was on his way abroad for medical attention when he was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport.
The group is calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the matter seriously and to effect Michael’s bail or charge him to court as required by law. Ekamon emphasized that the youths and people of Niger Delta worldwide will not sit idly by and watch this injustice unfold.
