Nigerian man Emmanuel Ihejirika Freed after Years On Death Row For Drug Trafficking In Indonesia

(EPICSTORIAN) – Emmanuel Ihejirika, a Nigerian man who had been sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has been freed after spending many years in prison.

Emmanuel Ihejirika’s release, according to NTA, was by confirmed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who acknowledged the efforts of Emmanuel Isha Ogebe, a Nigerian lawyer based in Washington, D.C., who took up the case on a pro bono basis.

Emmanuel Ihejirika’s case highlights legal advocacy’s power and persistence exuded by well meaning-Nigerians

Ihejirika’s freedom, which, of course was fought hard for, marks the end of a long legal battle, one that started after his case was re-examined and identified as a possible instance of mistaken identity.

Ogebe, upon learning of the case, reached out to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her support, of which she did not withhold.

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Dabiri-Erewa then pursued the matter through Indonesia’s judicial system, all the way to the Supreme Court, where his efforts finally led to Ihejirika’s release in December.

At a recent meeting with Ogebe in Washington, D.C., Dabiri-Erewa praised his efforts and selfless kindness demonstrated to ensure Ihejirika regained his freedom.

She expressed her gratitude for the lawyer’s dedication to seeing the case through, describing his pro bono work as an example of true kindness.

“I want to commend Barrister Emmanuel Isha Ogebe for his selflessness and kindness in taking up this case,” Dabiri-Erewa said, acknowledging his vital role in securing Ihejirika’s freedom.

The case also sheds light on the broader efforts by the Nigerian government to intervene in similar situations.

A few years ago, according to NTA report, a delegation led by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ojo Madueke, which included Dabiri-Erewa—then a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives—visited Indonesia to plead for clemency for 21 Nigerians convicted of drug trafficking and facing the death penalty.

Unfortunately, four among the convicted Nigerians were later executed, along with a British and Indonesian citizen.

Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that the penalty for drug trafficking in Indonesia is death, using the opportunity to advise Nigerians abroad to avoid involvement in criminal activities or drug-related offences .

In her statement, the NIDCOM Chairperson also praised Ms. Patricia Alechenu, Nigeria’s Charge D’Affaires in Indonesia, for her unwavering support during the legal process leading to the release of Emmanuel Ihejirika.

For his part, Barrister Ogebe expressed deep appreciation for Dabiri-Erewa’s continuous efforts on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora.

He recalled her interventions dating back to her tenure as a member of the House of Representatives, where she consistently advocated for the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

Ogebe described her as a “morale booster” for many Nigerians in similar situations and pledged to continue working closely with NIDCOM to support Nigerian citizens around the world.

The successful resolution of Ihejirika’s case stands as a testament to the power of legal advocacy and international diplomacy, offering hope for Nigerians caught in difficult circumstances abroad.

Emmanuel Ihejirika’s release achieved after years of legal efforts.

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