06/17/2026
Glorious Halleluyah to the king of kings, congratulations
PRESS RELEASE ON THE EXONERATION OF CHIEF (MRS.) DORCAS ADEYINKA AND MR. SURAJU ASIMIYU FOLLOWING THE DECISION OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF OGUN STATE TO DECLINE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND HER SUBSEQUENT DISCHARGE FROM COURT IN CHARGE NO: AB/46C/2025 (IGP v. Suraju Ashimiyu & Dorcas Adeyinka),
Delivered by Yakubu Eleto Chambers at the Ogun State Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
16th June 2026
Yakubu Eleto Chambers, solicitors to Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu, issues this press statement to inform the public, members of the press, civil society, and all concerned stakeholders of the final and complete vindication of our clients in the matter arising from the death of Ms. Folunsho Olayinka (Iya Ibeji).
By a charge dated 8th October, 2025 and filed as Charge No. AB/46C/2025 (IGP v. Suraju Ashimiyu & Dorcas Adeyinka), the Nigerian Police preferred a two-count charge against our clients, namely: conspiracy contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code, and acceleration of death contrary to Section 311 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State. As required by law in respect of offences triable before the High Court, and as also requested by our legal team, the case file was duly forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, for legal advice prior to arraignment.
Following a thorough and independent review of the Police Investigation Report dated 12th May, 2025; together with witness statements, exhibits, and forensic findings , the Attorney-General declined to commence the prosecution of either defendant.
In consequence of that advice, the charge against Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu has been formally withdrawn and dismissed.
The Police Investigation Report and the Attorney-General's advice rest on clear and unambiguous medical and scientific evidence.
An official autopsy conducted on 21st August, 2024 by Dr. A.O. Oluntunde, Chief Pathologist, State General Hospital Mortuary, Ota and corroborated by medical reports dated 30th August, 2024, established that Ms. Folunsho Olayinka (Iya Ibeji) died on 19th April, 2024 from severe malnutrition and respiratory failure arising from pulmonary tuberculosis. This finding leaves no room for the allegation that her death resulted from poisoning, the administration of any unknown substance, or any unlawful act.
The investigation further found no credible evidence linking either of our clients to any act capable of causing or accelerating the death of the deceased, and no factual foundation for the alleged conspiracy.
Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka, a United Kingdom based philanthropist and founder of a humanitarian foundation, never met the deceased in person; her foundation's only involvement was the provision of financial and material support to the family through its programme manager.
Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu, the deceased's husband, was found to have taken his late wife to hospital for treatment of her illness and to have likewise benefited from the foundation's assistance with rent, bills, and household upkeep.
The investigation traced the origin of the allegations to a dispute among various individuals and organisations involved in the care of the deceased and her twin children, rather than to any criminal conduct on the part of our clients.
This outcome is a complete and unequivocal vindication of our clients.
For over two years, they faced grave allegations, public scrutiny, condemnations and reputational injury arising from accusations that have now been authoritatively and conclusively laid to rest by the court, the police and by independent medical examination, and by the chief law officer of Ogun State.
Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka's only connection to this matter was an act of charity, and it is regrettable that compassion became the basis of so grave an allegation.
Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu, who has himself lost his wife and now solely cares for their twin children, has been fully and finally cleared of any allegation.
In view of these findings and the subsequent court decision, we respectfully call on members of the public, the media, bloggers, and online commentators to desist from further circulating false, misleading, or defamatory statements concerning our clients.
The rule of law requires that the conclusions reached by competent investigative and prosecutorial authorities and also court of competent jurisdiction after rigorous and thorough examination of the facts, be respected.
While our clients wish to remain law abiding and also move forward with dignity and peace, they reserve all rights available to them under the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pursue redress in respect of any defamatory publication, malicious falsehood, or reputational injury already occasioned, or that may yet be occasioned, against them.
This is not merely a decision not to prosecute; it is a complete affirmation of our clients' innocence.
We thank all who remained committed to the principles of fairness, due process, and the rule of law throughout this matter.
Signed,
Comrade (Barrister) Yakubu Eleto, Esq.
Principal Partner
Yakubu Eleto Chambers
Solicitors to Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu
For Enquiries:
+234 803 862 9319
[email protected]
