Amanze ChinonyeOgbonna Igbojionu, a native of Aba in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, has finally regained his freedom after spending 26 years on death row at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State for a crime he says he never committed.
He was only 22 years old when his life was violently derailed by a tragic twist of justice, all for unknowingly buying a stolen generator.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn 1999, Igbojionu had purchased a generator from one Segun Ajibade, unaware that the equipment had been stolen. According to multiple accounts and court filings, Ajibade returned just two weeks after the sale this time with the police and accused Igbojionua of possessing stolen property. The young man was then arrested, charged, and sentenced to death.
Igbojionu would spend the next two and a half decades in prison, including years in solitary confinement, under the shadow of the death penalty. He maintained his innocence throughout, insisting he had no idea the generator was stolen and had merely bought it in good faith.
The severity of the punishment shocked many, particularly the legal community and human rights groups. Over the years, his case was highlighted by prison reform advocates, including those at Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) and the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO), who argued that Igbojionu’s case typified the deep failures of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Despite the passage of time, justice came not through the courts, but through mercy.
In May 2024, following years of advocacy and formal petitions, Ogbonna Igbojionu received a state pardon. It was granted by the Lagos State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and endorsed by the state government, recognizing that his sentence had been “unjust and disproportionate” considering the circumstances.
The man who sold the generator to him, Segun Ajibade, was also pardoned in the same round of clemency, a controversial decision that some legal analysts questioned, given Ajibade’s role in the ordeal that led to Igbojionu’s conviction in the first place.
Upon his release in early 2025, Ogbonna is already 48, having spent more than two decades behind bars. Yet, in an emotional and deeply moving moment, he finally reunited with his mother after nearly three decades apart. The video of their tearful embrace has since gone viral, symbolising both the pain of wrongful imprisonment and the enduring strength of family.
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Speaking after his release, Ogbonna said: “I walked into that prison as a young man full of dreams. I am coming out with gray hairs, but I still have life and I thank God, my mother, and those who never stopped fighting for me.”
He now hopes to rebuild his life, starting with reconnecting with his family and possibly advocating justice and freedom for others still trapped in similar situations.
Human rights organisations are calling on the Nigerian government to fast-track reforms to ensure no one else suffers the kind of fate Ogbonna Igbojionu endured.
“Ogbonna’s story is heartbreaking, but it is not an isolated case. Thousands of Nigerians are languishing in detention due to poor investigations, lack of access to legal representation, and systemic delays,” said Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, National Coordinator of LEDAP. “We will continue to push for urgent reforms in the justice system and the protection of the rights of the innocent.”
The spotlight now shifts to compensation and reintegration. Legal experts say Ogbonna may be entitled to seek redress through civil litigation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
