Former Executive Director of ARM Pension Managers Ltd, Mr Abisola Onigbogi, has pledged support to the Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation through its Innocence Project to provide free legal assistance to indigent Nigerians who have been wrongly accused or unjustly detained.

Onigbogi, who was cleared last year by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of a wrongful sexual abuse allegation, said his personal ordeal had strengthened his resolve to promote justice and fairness.

“I went through a humbling experience that opened my eyes to the struggles of many innocent Nigerians. Not everyone has the means or voice to defend themselves against false or malicious accusations. The foundation’s Innocence Project gives hope to such people, and I am honoured to support it,” he said.

The Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation operates two major initiatives: The Innocence Project Ng and The Mercy Project, both aimed at promoting justice and compassion within Nigerian society.

While The Innocence Project Ng provides free and quality legal representation to indigent citizens, particularly those awaiting trial or serving sentences for offences they did not commit, The Mercy Project supports widows, children, and the elderly through welfare and empowerment programmes.

Onigbogi said his contribution would focus on funding access to professional legal representation for wrongly accused persons, noting that many innocent Nigerians remain in detention because they cannot afford competent lawyers.

He said: “The Innocence Project is not only about freeing the innocent; it’s about fixing a justice system that too often punishes the poor instead of crime.”

Commending the foundation’s balanced approach to social justice, he described it as a rare blend of legal advocacy and humanitarian compassion.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr Ife Ajayi, welcomed Onigbogi’s support, describing it as a meaningful act of empathy and social responsibility.

Ajayi said contributions from individuals like Onigbogi, who have personally experienced the trauma of false accusation, add authenticity and momentum to the fight for a fairer justice system.