The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, on Saturday welcomed three Nigerians who regained their freedom after spending 26 years on death row at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
Among the freed inmates were Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, a native of Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State; Mr. Olawale Adediji from the South West; and a third individual who was unable to make the trip to meet the governor.
Presenting the freedmen at the Government House in Umuahia, a human rights advocate from Enugu State Simon Oshi, who facilitated their release, narrated how he became involved in the case after it was shared online by a social media influencer Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as ‘Sea King.’
“When the influencer shared their story on social media, I felt compelled to verify it. I visited them at Kirikiri Prison with a team of lawyers and the influencer,” Oshi explained.
He recounted how one of the men, Igbojionu, had told him he hailed from Abia.
He said, “I told him I know your governor and that he’s a good and compassionate leader. I assured him I would reach out to Governor Otti.”
Oshi noted that the three men were sentenced to death in 2003 over a generator transaction dating back to 1999.
After verifying their situation, Oshi informed Governor Otti, who immediately directed the Attorney General of Abia State to look into the matter.
Following confirmation of their case, Otti wrote to the Lagos and Ogun State governments to initiate their release.
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“After 26 years behind bars, Otti secured their freedom. This is a testament to his commitment to justice and compassion,” Oshi said.
Governor Otti, while receiving the men, thanked Oshi for his tireless efforts and praised Ogunsanwo for using his platform to draw attention to their plight.
“A typical Nigerian might say, ‘It doesn’t concern me,’ but you went out of your way. If you hadn’t brought it to my attention, I wouldn’t have known,” the governor said.
Otti explained that although the trial was conducted in Ogun State, the men were incarcerated in Lagos.
He extended appreciation to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his cooperation.
“When I contacted Governor Abiodun, he acknowledged the letter and assured me he would act. Just last week, he called while I was out of the country to inform me they had been released,” Otti revealed.
“Justice is everything,” he continued. “You can accumulate wealth, but if you don’t help build a just society, it’s meaningless.
“We all leave this world someday, and material possessions won’t follow us.”
The governor assured the men of his administration’s support as they reintegrate into society.
He directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, and Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, to work with relevant agencies to support their rehabilitation.
“This might not fall under your direct responsibilities, but I’m tasking you to coordinate their reintegration,” he instructed.
Speaking on behalf of the freed men, Mr. Igbojionu recounted his ordeal. He said that in 1999, as a generator dealer, he bought a generator from one Segun Ajibade. Two weeks later, Ajibade returned with police, claiming it had been stolen.
“I was beaten, forced to sign a statement I wasn’t allowed to read, and sentenced to death in 2003 after being in detention since 1999,” he said.
Expressing his deep appreciation, Igbojionu said, “I thank Governor Otti for rescuing me from the jaws of death and giving me a second chance at life.”