Nigerian Man Regains Freedom After 26 Years on Death Row Over Generator Dispute

Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, a Nigerian man wrongfully convicted in connection with a generator sale, has finally regained his freedom after spending 26 years on death row at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.

His ordeal began in 1999, when he bought a generator from a man named Segun Ajibade. Not long after, Igbojionu was arrested and accused of receiving stolen property. He was reportedly coerced during police interrogation and charged alongside two others.

By 2003, a court in Ogun State sentenced him to death. From that point, he was transferred to Kirikiri Prison in Lagos, where he remained behind bars for over two decades, with no successful appeal or intervention—until recently.

His case came back into the spotlight after social media activist Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as “Sea King,” posted about his plight. Human rights lawyer Simon Oshi took up the case and verified the details, eventually gaining the attention of Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

Moved by the injustice, Governor Otti coordinated with officials in Ogun and Lagos states to secure Igbojionu’s release. Upon gaining his freedom, Igbojionu and a fellow former death row inmate were received at the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, where Otti assured them of support for rehabilitation and reintegration.

In a brief emotional moment, Igbojionu expressed his gratitude to everyone who fought for his freedom, saying he never lost hope, even after 26 years of unjust imprisonment.

The case has since drawn national attention, highlighting deep flaws in Nigeria’s justice system, particularly in areas of wrongful convictions, prolonged detentions, and lack of access to timely legal support.