John M. Chenoweth

Born Suspect: the Life and Trials of Gbolahan Olabode John M. Chenoweth

Gbolahan Olabode came to America in search of a better life. As he worked to put himself through Philadelphia's Temple University, he was arrested and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Though there was a great deal of evidence that he was innocent, the Police Officers and Detectives covered it up, hoping to get a conviction. Soon the truth was revealed, and Mr. Olabode was released, but he did not feel that justice had been done. In 1993 he sued the City of Philadelphia and the Police, eventually winning a large settlement. Mr. Olabode's story is an important example of the pervasive injustice that exists in our legal system. By telling it, he can teach us how to move to correct these problems. His story is inspiring as well as informative.