Spokane Man Acquitted of Shooting Awarded $85K in Lost Wages

Jury found Moses Adedeji acted in self-defense during bar fight incident.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:02am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the sudden violence and legal aftermath of a wrongful accusation.The harsh flash illumination of a lone bullet casing evokes the sudden violence and legal aftermath of a wrongful accusation.Spokane Today

A 24-year-old Spokane man named Moses Adedeji was awarded around $85,000 on Thursday for lost wages he incurred while incarcerated after being acquitted of a 2024 drive-by shooting. A jury had previously found Adedeji acted in self-defense when he shot two people in the head following a bar fight.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges individuals can face when wrongfully accused of crimes, including financial hardship from lost wages and legal fees, even after being exonerated. It also raises questions about the fairness of the criminal justice system and the need for greater protections for those who are cleared of charges.

The details

In December 2024, Adedeji was involved in a bar fight that escalated into a drive-by shooting, where two people were shot in the head. Adedeji was arrested and charged, but a jury later found he acted in self-defense and acquitted him of all charges. As a result of the incarceration, Adedeji lost his job and around $85,000 in wages, which the court has now awarded him.

  • The incident occurred in December 2024.
  • Adedeji was acquitted by a jury in December 2025.
  • The court awarded Adedeji $85,000 in lost wages on April 4, 2026.

The players

Moses Adedeji

A 24-year-old Spokane man who was acquitted of a 2024 drive-by shooting after a jury found he acted in self-defense.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the need for criminal justice reforms to better protect the rights of those wrongfully accused, including providing adequate compensation for lost wages and other financial hardships incurred during the legal process, even after being exonerated.