Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Saturday, welcomed three Nigerians who recently regained their freedom after spending 26 years on death row at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Among those released were Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, an indigene of Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State; Mr. Olawale Adediji, from the Yoruba ethnic group; and a third individual who, though also freed, was unable to make the trip to meet the governor.

The ex-inmates were presented to Governor Otti at the Government House by Mr. Simon Oshi from Enugu State, who played a key role in securing their release. Oshi explained that he discovered their case through a viral post by popular social media influencer Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as ‘Sea King’.

“After seeing their story online, I felt compelled to investigate. I visited them in Kirikiri with a team of lawyers and the influencer,” Oshi recounted.

He said one of the inmates, Igbojionu, revealed he was from Abia State. “I told him I know your governor and that he is a kind and compassionate man. I assured him I would reach out to Governor Otti.”

The men were sentenced to death in 2003 over a disputed generator transaction dating back to 1999. Upon being informed, Governor Otti immediately instructed the Abia State Attorney General to investigate the case. Once verified, Otti contacted the Lagos and Ogun State governments, initiating the legal process that led to their eventual release.

“After 26 years in prison, their freedom is a result of Governor Otti’s intervention. It speaks volumes about his sense of justice and humanity,” Oshi said.

Receiving the men, Governor Otti expressed appreciation to Oshi for his efforts and commended Ogunsanwo for using his platform to champion justice.

“You could have said, ‘It’s not my concern,’ but you took it upon yourself to act. Without your intervention, I would never have known,” the governor said.

He clarified that although the case originated in Ogun State, the inmates had been imprisoned in Lagos. He thanked Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for his cooperation and swift action.

“When I reached out to Governor Abiodun, he acknowledged my request. Just last week, he called me—while I was abroad—to inform me they had been released,” Otti added.

He stressed the importance of justice: “You can acquire all the wealth in the world, but if you don’t use it to promote justice, it means nothing. We will all leave this world someday, and material things won’t go with us.”

Governor Otti assured the freed men of full government support for their reintegration. He directed the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, and Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, to liaise with relevant agencies to oversee their rehabilitation.

“It may not be part of your core responsibilities, but I’m placing this task in your hands—help coordinate their reintegration,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Igbojionu shared his painful experience. A generator dealer at the time, he said he bought a generator from one Segun Ajibade in 1999. Two weeks later, Ajibade returned with police officers, claiming the generator had been stolen.

He alleged that he was beaten, coerced into signing a pre-written statement, and eventually sentenced to death in 2003 after four years in detention without trial.

He thanked Governor Otti profusely, saying, “You saved me from the jaws of death and gave me a new lease on life. I am forever grateful.”