Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Saturday received three former death row inmates who regained their freedom after spending 26 years at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
Among the men was Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, a native of Ibere, Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia; Olawale Adediji, of Yoruba origin; and a third individual who was unable to travel for the meeting.
The trio had been sentenced to death in 2003 over a disputed generator sale that dated back to 1999.
Their release was facilitated by Simon Oshi, an Enugu native, who took up the case after discovering it online.
“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 said, referring to Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as Sea King, who initially publicized the injustice via social media.
Oshi recalled his first meeting with Igbojionu. “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.”
Moved by the details, Oshi contacted Governor Otti, who promptly assigned the Abia State Attorney General to investigate the case. Once confirmed, Otti wrote to both the Lagos and Ogun State governments to request action.
“After 26 years behind bars, Otti secured their freedom. This is a testament to his commitment to justice and compassion,” Oshi said.
Receiving the men at Government House, Umuahia, Otti commended both Oshi and Ogunsanwo for their roles.
“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 clarified that although the original trial occurred in Ogun State, the inmates were imprisoned in Lagos. He extended appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for his swift 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 said.
The governor also emphasized the moral duty to build a just society.
“Justice is everything,” he said. “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.”
To aid in their reintegration, Otti directed Commissioners Uzor Nwachukwu (Local Government) and Ikechukwu Monday (Power and Public Utilities) to oversee support measures.
“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, Igbojionu shared the traumatic experience that led to their incarceration.
He recounted buying a generator from a man named Segun Ajibade in 1999, only for Ajibade to later return with police, claiming the item was stolen.
He alleged he was beaten, coerced into signing a statement he wasn’t allowed to read, and ultimately sentenced to death in 2003 after four years on remand.
In his closing remarks, Igbojionu expressed heartfelt appreciation.
