Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Saturday received 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, an Abia indigene from Ibere in Ikwuano LGA; Olawale Adediji, a Yoruba man; and a third individual who was unable to travel with them to meet the governor.
Presenting the ex-inmates to Otti at Government House, Simon Oshi from Enugu State, who facilitated their release, explained that he had learned about their case through a popular social media influencer, Olumide Ogunsanwo, also 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 said.
He recounted how one of the inmates, Igbojionu, revealed he was from Abia State. “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.”
According to Oshi, the men were sentenced to death in 2003 over a disputed generator sale dating back to 1999. Oshi said that upon informing the governor, Otti immediately dispatched the Abia State Attorney General to verify the situation. Once confirmed, the governor wrote to the Lagos and Ogun State governments, initiating efforts that eventually led to the men’s release.
“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, Otti thanked Oshi for his persistence and commended Ogunsanwo for using his platform to advocate for justice.
“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,” Otti said.
0 Comments