He endured a death row ordeal for 26 years after buying a stolen generator. Now released, he reunites with his mother thanks to advocacy and government action
Death row ordeal began for Ogbonna Igbojionu in 1999 when, at just 22, he purchased a generator from Segun Ajibade, unaware it was stolen.
Also read: Man freed after decades over generator theft in shocking case
Two weeks later the police arrived with Ajibade, arrested them both, and Ogbonna was later sentenced to death in 2003. He spent 26 years on death row at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
He and two others, including technician Kolawole Oladeji, remained incarcerated despite public outcry.
Their case came to light in early 2025 after social media activist Olumide Ogunsanwo (Sea King) shared Ogbonna’s story on TikTok. It sparked a campaign for justice.
Simon Oshi, a philanthropist from Enugu, heard the story and visited the prison with a legal team and the influencer.
When he learned Ogbonna was from Abia State, he contacted Governor Alex Otti. Governor Otti then directed his Attorney General to liaise with Lagos and Ogun authorities.
On 6 July 2025, Ogbonna was formally released alongside two other inmates, Olawale Adediji and one other. They were presented to Governor Otti at the Abia Government House.
I thank Governor Alex Otti for giving me another chance at life.
The reunion between Ogbonna and his vulnerable mother was deeply emotional. Video clips showed tears and embraces after more than two decades apart. “I thank Governor Alex Otti for giving me another chance at life,” he said.
Kolawole Oladeji, who was also convicted over the same generator case, shared a similar ordeal. He maintained that Segun Ajibade, the initial seller, was pardoned in 2016 by the Ogun State Governor while he languished in prison .
“Every day behind bars I thought no one cared,” Kolawole said. “But now we are finally free.”
Governor Otti assured the men of full support for their reintegration, including housing, health care and vocational training.
He warned that their plight highlights Nigeria’s imperfect justice system, where innocents may suffer for decades.
This case has stirred renewed calls for prison reforms, better legal representation for indigent defendants, and mechanisms to quickly review questionable convictions.
Human rights advocates say many others remain incarcerated under similar injustices.
Also read: Ogun So-Safe arrest man who stole two power generators
Ogbonna’s release after a grueling death row ordeal is a stark reminder of the need for systemic change. As he and Kolawole start life anew, public pressure grows to free and rehabilitate others wrongly convicted.
Source: Read more at gazettengr.com
