Gladness Gideon
Renowned UK-based gospel singer and broadcaster, Muyiwa Olarewaju, has spoken out about a disturbing personal experience in which he was wrongly treated as a suspect following an attempted robbery against him.
In a video posted on his official Twitter account, Muyiwa recounted the unsettling incident, which occurred earlier this year at approximately 5:30 a.m. while he was en route to work. According to his account, a young white man allegedly tried to break into his vehicle and went as far as smashing the car window.
“I told the police where the cameras were in that area,” Muyiwa said in the video. “The fact that the guy had smashed up my window, and the worrying and all that it caused.”
After narrowly escaping harm and safely reaching his workplace, the singer reported the attack to the police, expecting a straightforward investigation and justice. However, the situation soon took a shocking turn.
“Immediately after the police got in touch with me, the next thing was they now began an investigation where I was now the suspect,” he revealed. “Yes, I was now the suspect.”
Despite being the clear victim, Muyiwa found himself under scrutiny and was summoned for questioning. He disclosed that he had to secure legal representation to defend himself during the ordeal.
READ ALSO: UK Police Officer Shola Balogun Dismissed for Biting Colleague
“The police never found the young man who they saw on camera, but I was being investigated for affray,” he added, noting the irony and frustration of the situation.
The investigation lingered for three months before it was ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence.
The incident has sparked concern among supporters and social commentators, with many highlighting the challenges faced by Black individuals in navigating the justice system, even as victims.
Muyiwa Olarewaju, a respected voice in the gospel music scene and a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), has not indicated whether he will pursue further action, but his experience adds to the ongoing conversation around racial profiling and justice in the UK.