Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has facilitated the release of Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbojionu, a native of Abia, along with two other Nigerian citizens, after spending 26 years on death row.

Igbojionu, a generator dealer from Ikwuano Local Government Area, was arrested in 1999 and sentenced to death in 2003 over allegations of purchasing a stolen generator.

Presenting the freed inmates to Governor Otti on Saturday, Mr. Simon Oshi from Enugu State—who initiated the call for help—revealed that he learned of the case through a social media influencer, Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as “Sea King.” He explained that he visited Kirikiri Prison with the influencer and some lawyers, where they discovered that Igbojionu hailed from Abia.

Oshi stated that after informing Governor Otti, the Governor immediately verified the case with the state Attorney General and took swift action, leading to the release of the three inmates.

Governor Otti received Mr. Igbojionu, Mr. Olawale Adediji, and a third individual who was unable to travel with them to Abia. He expressed gratitude to Oshi and the social media activist for their vigilance and determination, and also thanked Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his assistance in securing the release.

Pledging full support for their reintegration, Governor Otti directed the Commissioners for Local Government and for Power and Public Utilities to collaborate with relevant agencies to help the men rebuild their lives.

Speaking on behalf of the freed inmates, Igbojionu recounted his ordeal, explaining that he had purchased a generator from a man named Segun Ajibade in 1999, only to be arrested two weeks later when the same man returned with the police. He alleged that he was beaten and forced to sign a statement he wasn’t allowed to read, after which he was charged, convicted, and sentenced to death.

Igbojionu expressed deep gratitude to God and to Governor Otti for giving them a second chance at life after 26 years of incarceration.