By Peter Omopo
Umuahia, July 6, 2025 — Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Saturday received three Nigerians who regained their freedom after spending 26 years on death row at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
The released inmates include Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, an indigene of Ibere in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State; Mr. Olawale Adediji from the South West; and a third unnamed individual who was unable to travel for the meeting at Government House, Umuahia.
Their release was facilitated by Mr. Simon Oshi, a legal advocate from Enugu State, who took interest in their plight after learning of their case on social media. According to Oshi, their story came to light through a post by popular online activist and influencer, Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as “Sea King.”
“I was moved after seeing their story online,” Oshi said while presenting the ex-inmates to Governor Otti. “I visited them in prison with lawyers and Sea King to confirm the facts. That was when I met Mr. Igbojionu, who told me he was from Abia State.”
Oshi recounted how he assured Igbojionu of seeking the governor’s intervention, describing Otti as a compassionate leader. Following this encounter, the governor reportedly sent the Abia State Attorney General to investigate the case.
The inmates were originally sentenced to death in 2003 over a disputed generator transaction that occurred in 1999. After confirming the circumstances surrounding their conviction, Governor Otti reportedly reached out to the Lagos and Ogun State governments, initiating the legal process that eventually led to their release.
“After 26 years behind bars, Governor Otti secured their freedom. This is a shining example of his dedication to justice and compassion,” Oshi said.
In his remarks, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to both Oshi and Ogunsanwo for their roles in bringing the matter to his attention.
“Many would have said, ‘It’s not my business,’ but you chose to act,” Otti said. “If you hadn’t reached out, I wouldn’t have known about this. I thank you for being the voice of justice.”
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human rights, judicial reform, and restorative justice, pledging continued support for those unjustly imprisoned.
