After spending over two decades on death row, 64-year-old Nigerian technician Kolawole Oladeji and his co-accused, Ogbona Igbojionu, have been released from prison. The two men were convicted in 2003 for their alleged involvement in a generator theft case dating back to 1999.
Their release comes after sustained public advocacy, notably from popular TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo (Seaking), who brought renewed attention to the case.
Oladeji was arrested on October 30, 1999, after a generator—allegedly stolen—was brought to his workshop for repairs. Despite consistently maintaining his innocence, he was tried alongside three others and sentenced to death by hanging on January 14, 2003. He was initially held in an Ogun State facility before being transferred to Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
Speaking from prison in a previously obtained audio message, Oladeji recounted how the generator was picked up by another individual after he repaired it. He identified Segun Ajibade as the person who brought the generator and claimed Ajibade was released in 2016 through the intervention of former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
“The person who actually brought the generator for repairs has since been released because he had wealthy connections,” Oladeji said. “But I remained in prison. My mother and wife died while I was in detention.”
The Court of Appeal in Ibadan dismissed Oladeji’s appeal in 2018 after his lawyer, M.I. Omojola, filed a notice of withdrawal. In 2020, Oladeji wrote to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, pleading for clemency and a chance to reunite with his remaining family.
“My case started in 1999, and I was sentenced to death in 2003. I have spent over 21 years in prison. I humbly seek mercy and a second chance,” he wrote.
While the details surrounding the legal basis of their release remain unclear, both Oladeji and Igbojionu are now free. The fate of the two other co-convicts, Sunday Oloyede and Segun Ajibade, remains uncertain.
Their story highlights ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s justice system, particularly the plight of indigent defendants facing harsh penalties without adequate legal representation or support.
