Photographer, 26, Sentenced To 10 Months In Jail For Resigning Via SMS

Photographer, 26, Sentenced To 10 Months In Jail For Resigning Via SMS....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Peter Nicholas, a 26-year-old Mass Communication graduate from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, found himself in a nightmarish situation after resigning from a job at an Abuja-based photography studio owned by prominent businessman Mike Oluwole. Despite a promising start, Nicholas spent ten months at Keffi Correctional Centre following his resignation via text message. In an interview with ADEKUNLE SULAIMON, Nicholas recounts his ordeal, the impact of his imprisonment on his life, and his journey to freedom……CONTINUE READING 

**How did your photography career begin?**

A Reverend Father helped me discover my talent. He funded a one-year photography course in Abuja, where I honed my skills.

**How did you land the job with your former boss?**

I initially visited his office to sell a camera lens for a friend. During the visit, he mentioned needing a photographer and photo editor. After showcasing my skills, he hired me on probation with a monthly salary of N70,000 and promised a raise upon confirmation. I resigned after less than three months for a better opportunity.

**Why did you resign via text message?**

I regret the choice, but without an official employment letter, I felt no need for a formal resignation letter. This was a common practice at the company, as previous employees hadn’t received official letters either.

**Why were you arrested despite your resignation text not including insults?**

My text on October 10, 2023, simply stated my intention to resign. A follow-up message on October 14 criticized his leadership style, particularly his treatment of a colleague. I was later arrested for allegedly insulting him, a claim I deny.

**Why didn’t you contact your family when arrested?**

My parents live far from Abuja, and I didn’t think the situation was severe enough to warrant contacting them. I was detained and charged at the Upper Area Court in Mpape, Abuja, where I couldn’t raise the bail amount and ended up in prison.

**Can you describe your experience at Keffi Correctional Centre?**

It was horrific. I spent my first three months in isolation before being placed in a cell with 109 others. I slept on the floor, lacked basic hygiene supplies, and subsisted on minimal prison rations. The lack of segregation exposed me to a range of inmates, from criminals to innocent people awaiting trial.

**Were you required to perform hard labor, or what was your daily routine like?**

Our daily routine involved sleeping and periodically praising the president and vice president of the inmates’ council. No hard labor was assigned.

**What are your parents’ occupations, and why didn’t you inform them of your situation?**

My father is a retired soldier, and my mother is a trader. I didn’t want to burden my mother, who has health issues, with the news. I also avoided informing my siblings, especially since I wasn’t on good terms with my father.

**Why wasn’t there a report of you missing?**

Neighbors believed I had traveled. It wasn’t until the story went viral that they learned of my imprisonment.

**How did your ex-boss’s accusation of theft affect you?**

I was accused of stealing a company phone, but this accusation came after my resignation. I was cleared of the theft charge in court.

**Did you reach out to your ex-boss for help while in prison?**

I did, but he only provided N20,000, insufficient for the bail. Despite sending a letter to withdraw the case, it was not accepted by the court.

**How did you gain your release from prison?**

A friend at Yiaga Africa, whom I had met through volunteer work, informed the Hope Behind Bars Africa Foundation about my situation. Their intervention led to my release, as the Upper Area Court in Abuja was no longer operational.

**How has this experience affected your view on power dynamics and your mental health?**

The experience was mentally taxing, and I felt oppressed. Despite this, I’m focused on rebuilding my photography career and repairing family relationships. My former boss eventually gave me N20,000 to help with my recovery.

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