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‘Why I’m Interested in Freedom of People on Death Row’

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By Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi

My journey into the plight of individuals on death row began on February 28, 2007, during a visit to the Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Invited by the late Reverend Olu-Osewa, Bishop of the Arch Bishop Vanny Memorial Anglican Church, I was introduced to the harrowing stories of inmates sentenced to death, particularly the case of two brothers who had spent 18 years on death row.

During our visit, after my ministry at a church prison conference, Reverend Olu-Osewa shared the case of the two brothers sentenced by the Oyo State Tribunal Court. He expressed a desire to seek a pardon from the Governor, which prompted my visit to Kirikiri. Accompanied by a team from the Arch Bishop Vinny Prison Ministry Represented by Sir Tinuoye and Esther Okafor and my team from Ibadan, we entered the prison with the hope of advocating for these men.

Upon arrival, a prison officer revealed another case that would profoundly impact our mission. He spoke of Olaniyi Emiola, who had been wrongfully convicted of armed robbery. Olaniyi’s story was one of mistaken identity and wrongful accusations, leading to his conviction despite the lack of concrete evidence against him.

Olaniyi recounted how he was wrongfully arrested after armed robbers committed a crime near his home. One of the robbers was apprehended at the scene and began mentioning names of his accomplices, coincidentally including Olaniyi’s name. A neighbor, who recognized the name, suggested Olaniyi’s arrest. Although the real perpetrator denied that Olaniyi was involved and even took the police to the house of the actual criminal, the latter had already fled. Olaniyi was released as the police confirmed that the real Niyi who participated in the crime had escaped, but a retired army officer living on the same street where the robbery took place, motivated by personal bias, petitioned for his re-arrest.

During the trial, the retired army officer always came to court in his army uniform before the members of the tribunal. Despite the armed robbers’ claims of his innocence during the trial, Olaniyi was ultimately sentenced to death.

Years later, the actual perpetrators were apprehended for another crime and ended up on death row in the same prison as Olaniyi. The real perpetrator raised the alarm to Olaniyi, revealing the truth about the crime.

Our team traveled to Abeokuta to meet with the real perpetrators, who provided written confessions of their involvement in the crime. Armed with this new evidence, we submitted our findings to the then-Governor of Oyo State, Late Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala.

On October 1, 2008, Olaniyi’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. I continued to advocate for his release, arguing that if he were actually part of the robbery incident, would he have remained in his house for three days knowing that one of them had been arrested? Moreover, he had already suffered enough. On January 21, 2011, after 17 years of wrongful imprisonment, Olaniyi Emiola was finally freed.

Inspired by Olaniyi’s case, I began to hear from other inmates on death row, many of whom claimed innocence. In 2007, over 20 inmates approached us, including Olusola Adepetu. We selected five cases for further investigation, collecting case files and reviewing the judgments to gather evidence to support their claims—a task that is both crucial and daunting.

Through collaboration with lawyers who offered pro bono services, several inmates were able to appeal their convictions. Notably, many of them were set free after spending 14 to 28 years behind bars unjustly. The number of individuals we have helped has now increased to 24, and it continues to grow.

The experience of advocating for Olaniyi Emiola and other inmates on death row opened my eyes to the systemic issues within the justice system. Today, we are receiving calls from all over the prison system for intervention.

Recently, I received another call from another prison regarding a case similar to Olaniyi Emiola’s—a man serving life imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. The prison welfare officer was pleading for our attention, as the real perpetrator who confessed to the crime could be released at any time, underscoring the urgent need for continued advocacy and intervention for those wrongfully convicted.

Presently, we have identified 16 cases on death row of wrongful conviction from Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, and Oyo States. Destinies are trapped, and the lives of their families are negatively impacted. They are doomed without hope.

This ongoing journey has reinforced our commitment to fighting for justice and raising awareness about the plight of those on death row, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories are told.

In other to amplify our voice share our story, ask friends to visit our website and donate to our cause.

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I Don’t Belong to Wike’s Camp, Dakuku Peterside Declares

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Dakuku Peterside has publicly declared his political leaning in Rivers State, saying he does not belong to the camp of the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Instead, Peterside, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said he aligns with Wike’s predecessor and estranged former godfather Rotimi Amaechi.

“I am a friend to Rotimi Amaechi,” the former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.

“I am not on the side of Nyesom Wike,” Peterside submitted, adding that he is also not politically aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He, however, said he was ready to provide advice for the incumbent governor on how to move the state forward.

“When Nyesom Wike was governor, recall that I was doing open letters to him consistently, giving him my advice. I did that for some time. If Governor Fubara seeks my advice, of course, I am willing to give that, like many governors,” he said.

Rivers is one of the politically charged states in Nigeria, a situation which could be attributed to the chunk votes and fat purse of the oil-rich state.

Like a coat of many colours, fragmented political camps make up the diverse and intrigue-filled state dominated by pugilists in the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where the incumbent governor belongs.

Leaders of the camps include Wike, a PDP powerbroker and two-term governor of the state from May 2015 to May 2023. Another political gladiator in the state is Amaechi, a former APC presidential hopeful and ex-transport minister who previously governed the state from May 2007 to May 2015.

There are also those loyal to Fubara and former governor Peter Odili; while former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; Magnus Abe; and Tonye Cole; amongst others, have their die-hard followers too. For over a decade, political crises have been Siamese to the State with followers of the various camps always at loggerheads.

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Leadership Overhaul: Tinubu Sacks UniAbuja, UNN VCs

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In what seems a sweeping overhaul aimed at strengthening governance and academic excellence, President Bola Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities across the country.

The changes, effective immediately, are part of a broader effort to revitalise Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The changes were conveyed through a statement on Thursday by presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

At the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and sacked Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from office as Vice Chancellor.

In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. However, Manko will not be eligible to apply for the permanent Vice Chancellor position once it becomes available.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.

Senator Tejuoso’s appointment follows the resignation of the entire governing council, marking a significant shift in leadership.

Senator Joy Emordi, previously Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, will now assume the same role at Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

Further leadership adjustments were made at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as acting Vice-Chancellor.

Chigbu was due to finish his term on February 14, 2025.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as acting Vice-Chancellor at UNN for a six-month period, with the understanding that he will not be eligible for the permanent position.

The shake-up at UNN extends to the Pro-Chancellor role, with General Ike Nwachukwu re-assigned to the University of Uyo.

Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, previously Pro-Chancellor at both the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, has now been appointed Pro-Chancellor of UNN.

At the Federal University of Lokoja, Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, formerly Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, will take over from Ojo.

Senator Sani Stores, a council member at UNN, has been named Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Emordi.

In another notable appointment, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a council member at UNN, has been named the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

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Dangote, Fayemi, Others Pay Condolence Visit to Greg Uanseru

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President/GCEO Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, businessmen, Tayo Ayeni and Segun Fowora, have paid a condolence visit to oil magnate, Greg Uanseru, over the passing of his wife, Aniema

Alhaji Dangote noted that Mrs. Uanseru fondly called Ema, who died in London on January 17, 2025, was a jolly lady, who will be missed by her family and friends.

He urged the widower, Greg Uanseru, who is the President/GCEO of GCA Energy Limited, to take heart and be strong.

According to him “We are here to encourage you and your family”.

Also speaking, Dr. Fayemi prayed for God to bless her soul, and grant the family the fortitude to bear this immense loss.

All the visitors promised to stand by the family during the funeral ceremonies which would be held in Lagos.

The ceremonies would begin with a Service of Songs/Tribute Night on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at The Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos from 5pm.

While the funeral service will hold from 10am on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rose of Sharon Parish, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja.

The prgramme also indicated that the interment would be a private affair for only members of the family.

56 year-old Mrs. Uanseru, a former Miss Akwa Ibom, was celebrated for her elegance, warmth, and unwavering support to her family and community.

Her philanthropic efforts earned her admiration and respect, cementing her reputation as a humble woman of substance and compassion.

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