The Story Behind The Arrest And 10 Month Imprisonment Of A 26-year-Old Abuja Photographer — Ex-boss Narrates

The Story Behind The Arrest And 10 Month Imprisonment Of A 26-year-Old Abuja Photographer — Ex-boss Narrates

The former employer of the 26-year-old photographer who was detained at Keffi Correctional Centre after resigning via text message has spoken out following a social media outcry……CONTINUE READING 

Mike Oluwole, the former boss of Nicholas Peter, shared his side of the story with Punch on Monday, September 2.

According to Oluwole, Nicholas initially visited his office to sell a camera lens, which he later discovered was allegedly stolen.

“When he brought the camera lens to my office, I asked him about its owner. He claimed it belonged to a friend, and I insisted he confirm this. I made him sign a document stating that he sold it to me. I then mentioned that I was in need of a skilled photographer and photo editor, and he expressed interest. After putting him through a series of photography tests, which he passed impressively, I hired him on a six-month probation period with a monthly salary of N70,000, to which he agreed,” Oluwole explained.

However, Oluwole noticed that Nicholas was consistently making financial demands. His company had a scheme called “I owe you (IOU)” to help staff manage financial burdens until their salaries were paid at the end of the month. Nicholas frequently defaulted on the repayments and would ask for extensions beyond the next month.

“When he resigned, he only sent a text message. I questioned him about whether that was the proper way to resign, but he responded with insults, advising me on how to manage people and lead a company.”

Oluwole continued, “Shortly after, I discovered that our office phone was missing. I tried to reach Nicholas, but he was unreachable. CCTV footage showed that a day before his resignation, he had returned to the office, disconnected the office camera, and then reconnected it before leaving. Concerned about the impact on our customer database, I reported the incident to the police, leading to his arrest.”

Nicholas was interrogated for several days about the missing phone before his case was transferred to the court. Oluwole alleged that Nicholas eventually confessed to stealing the phone, but by then, it was too late to stop the legal proceedings.

Oluwole said that he later attempted to halt the prosecution by writing to the Upper Area Court in Mpape, Abuja, where Nicholas was being tried, but his request was denied.

“I heard that the letter was rejected because it was not properly written, although I made every effort to do it correctly. I first learned about the bail fee when Nicholas was sent to Keffi Correctional Centre. Initially, he said it was N20,000, which I sent to someone he had contacted to plead for his release. Later, he called again, claiming the fee was actually N50,000. I was skeptical because I had already lost trust in him, so I asked for a refund.”

Oluwole concluded by saying, “I did everything I could to facilitate his release, and when he was freed, he came to my office. I sent him another N20,000, with a promise to help him find work if he genuinely reformed.”