By: Mandy Park
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has declined to prosecute Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu over allegations linked to the death of Ms. Folunsho Olayinka, effectively bringing an end to a criminal case that had generated public attention for more than two years.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued and made available to the media on Wednesday, 17th June in Lagos by Yakubu Eleto Chambers, legal representatives of the two individuals.
According to the law firm, the Attorney-General’s decision followed a comprehensive review of the Police Investigation Report, witness statements, exhibits and forensic findings relating to the case.
The Nigerian Police had, on October 8, 2025, filed a two-count charge against Adeyinka and Ashimiyu in Charge No. AB/46C/2025, titled Inspector-General of Police v. Suraju Ashimiyu & Dorcas Adeyinka.
The charges bordered on alleged conspiracy under Section 516 of the Criminal Code and acceleration of death under Section 311 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State.
However, after examining the evidence submitted by investigators, the Office of the Attorney-General reportedly found no basis to proceed with the prosecution.
The law firm stated that the charges were consequently discharged and dismissed in line with the legal advice issued by the state’s chief law officer.
Central to the Attorney-General’s decision were findings from an autopsy and independent medical reports, which reportedly established that the deceased died from natural causes.
According to the statement, an autopsy conducted on August 21, 2024, by Dr. A.O. Oluntunde, Chief Pathologist at the State General Hospital Mortuary in Ota, concluded that Ms. Olayinka died on April 19, 2024, as a result of severe malnutrition and respiratory failure caused by pulmonary tuberculosis.
Medical reports dated August 30, 2024, were said to have corroborated the autopsy findings.
“The medical and scientific evidence conclusively ruled out allegations of poisoning, administration of harmful substances, or any unlawful act as the cause of death,” the statement said.
The police investigation further reportedly found no evidence linking either Adeyinka or Ashimiyu to any action capable of causing or accelerating the deceased’s death.
According to the legal representatives, investigators also found no factual basis for the alleged conspiracy.
The statement explained that Adeyinka, a United Kingdom-based philanthropist and founder of a humanitarian foundation, had no personal relationship with the deceased and never met her in person.
Her involvement, it said, was limited to providing financial and material assistance to the deceased’s family through her foundation’s programme manager.
Ashimiyu, the deceased’s husband, was also said to have actively sought medical treatment for his wife during her illness and had received support from the foundation to help with rent, utility bills and household expenses.
Investigators reportedly traced the allegations to disagreements among individuals and organisations involved in the care and welfare of the deceased and her twin children, rather than to any criminal conduct by the two defendants.
Reacting to the outcome, Yakubu Eleto Chambers described the Attorney-General’s decision as a “complete and unequivocal vindication” of its clients.
The law firm said both individuals had suffered reputational damage and public scrutiny arising from allegations that had now been rejected by the police investigation, medical experts and prosecutorial authorities.
It called on members of the public, media organisations, bloggers and social media users to refrain from circulating what it described as false, misleading or defamatory claims concerning the two individuals.
The lawyers also stated that their clients reserved the right to seek legal redress against any person or organisation responsible for defamatory publications or malicious falsehoods relating to the matter.
The case highlights the critical role of forensic evidence, independent medical examinations and legal review processes in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving allegations of homicide or unlawful death.
The Attorney-General’s legal advice, issued after reviewing the evidence gathered by investigators, effectively closed the matter and cleared both defendants of criminal liability.
