Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has successfully facilitated the release of three individuals who had been incarcerated in Kirikiri prison for 26 years after receiving death sentences for allegedly stealing a generator set in 1999.
The individuals released include Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, Olawale Adediji, and another person whose identity has not been disclosed.
As per the press release from the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Igbojionu and Adediji were introduced to Governor Otti on Saturday, July 5, 2025, by Hon. Simon Oshi from Enugu State.
Hon. Oshi reportedly contacted Governor Otti for intervention after learning about the inmates through a social media post by influencer Olumide Ogunsanwo, known in the social media realm as “Sea King,” prompting Governor Otti to take swift action.
The social media influencer had been detained in the Kirikiri correctional facility for two weeks for an unrelated matter when the situation was uncovered.
In his account, Hon. Oshi stated;
“When the well-known social media influencer raised the issue online, I felt compelled to verify the claims. Thus, I assembled a team of lawyers and accompanied our noted influencer to visit the two young men in Kirikiri prison. Upon arrival, I began conversing with them.
I inquired about their origins, and one responded that he was from Abia State. I mentioned that I was familiar with their Governor, describing him as a commendable and exceptional leader. I assured them that I would relay their message to him and follow up with them. They had been sentenced to death in 2003 concerning a case involving a stolen electricity generator purchased in 1999. Consequently, I informed His Excellency, and the following day, he dispatched the Attorney General of Abia State to Kirikiri prison in Lagos to confirm the veracity of my statements.
"The Attorney General visited the location and subsequently reported back to him. His Excellency, demonstrating exemplary leadership and being a remarkable father figure to us all, promptly composed a letter addressed to the Governor of the State where they were detained. From that point onward, he persistently advocated for their release, and after enduring 26 years of imprisonment, His Excellency successfully facilitated their return, allowing them to experience freedom once more.
Reflecting on his harrowing experience, Igbojionu, a native of Ikwuano LGA in Abia State, recounted his previous occupation as a dealer in electric generating sets in Lagos State. His troubles began in 1999 when he purchased a generator from one Segun Ajibade and subsequently sold it to another individual. Merely two weeks following that sale, Ajibade returned to his shop accompanied by several police officers.
He recounted that, in what seemed to be a premeditated scheme, they assaulted him and coerced him into signing a statement they had prepared, all while denying him the opportunity to review its contents. He was then taken to court and handed a death sentence. From 1999, he remained incarcerated until 2003 when he was officially sentenced to death, until the intervention occurred in 2025.
Upon the release of the ex-inmates Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, Olawale Adediji, and another individual who was unable to accompany them back to Abia State, Governor Alex Otti expressed his gratitude to Hon. Simon Oshi for his unwavering determination and commitment, urging him to persist in his societal contributions. Governor Otti also commended the social media influencer for his commendable efforts, suggesting that perhaps God permitted him to be detained in the correctional facility for two weeks solely to assist Mr. Igbojionu and others in reclaiming their freedom from death sentences and life imprisonment."
In the governor's own words;
"A typical Nigerian might say it does not concern me, but due to your commendable character, you took it upon yourself. Had you not brought it to my attention, I would have remained unaware." Therefore, upon our inquiry, we discovered that although they were in Lagos, the matter pertained to Ogun State. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my brother, Governor, colleague, and friend, Dapo Abiodun, for his diligence and consistency in this matter." When I initially informed him and sent the letter, he acknowledged it and assured me he would take action. Just last week, while I was abroad, he called to inform me that they have now been released." For us, justice is paramount. One may possess immense wealth, but if one does not contribute to the establishment of a fair and just society, such wealth is rendered meaningless." We will all eventually depart. Individuals leave behind so much.
Once you close your eyes and do not reopen them, that is the conclusion. That marks the end. Whatever you have amassed and acquired will become inconsequential."
Governor Otti assured that his administration would provide the necessary support for them to reintegrate into society, instructing the Commissioner for Local Government and his counterpart in Power and Public Utilities, who were present at the event, to collaborate with the relevant government departments to facilitate their reintegration.
"While it may not be their direct responsibility, I am assigning them the task of working with the pertinent sectors of the government to ensure their successful reintegration into society. We will assist you and help you return to the community. With that said, I would like to extend a warm welcome back to this region. We are grateful for your preservation up to this moment," the governor concluded.
Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, speaking on behalf of the other freed inmates, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for using Governor Otti to spare their lives and thanked Governor Otti for being a compassionate and dedicated leader.
Photos from the event shown below:
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