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.

He clarified that although the case was tried in Ogun State, the inmates were incarcerated in Lagos. He extended gratitude to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for cooperating in the process.

“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.

“Justice is everything,” he continued. “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.”

The governor assured the ex-inmates of full support for their reintegration and directed Commissioners Uzor Nwachukwu (Local Government) and Ikechukwu Monday (Power and Public Utilities) to work with relevant agencies to support their rehabilitation.

“This might not fall under your direct responsibilities, but I’m tasking you to coordinate their reintegration,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the released inmates, Mr. Igbojionu recounted his ordeal. As a generator dealer, he said he purchased a generator from one Segun Ajibade in 1999. Two weeks later, Ajibade returned with the police, claiming the generator had been stolen.

He alleged he was beaten, forced to sign a prepared statement without being allowed to read it, and eventually sentenced to death in 2003, after being remanded since 1999.

Igbojionu expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti for rescuing him from the jaws of death and giving him a second chance at life.