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

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2025

Eric

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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Court Reserves Ruling in Times Multimedia Suit Against Afreximbank Over CAX IP Dispute

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2026

Eric

By Andrew Orolua

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has reserved ruling in the intellectual property suit between Times Multimedia Ltd. and the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, and others, following arguments on a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The matter came up on Thursday, July 2, 2026, before Honourable Justice Osiagor.

Times Multimedia Ltd., a Nigerian media and events company, is the originator and registered proprietor of “CAX” – the Creative Africa Exchange.

Court documents state that Times Multimedia conceived CAX in 2017/2018 as a continental trade and investment platform designed to finance, market, and monetize Africa’s creative and cultural industries. In 2018, the company formally presented the CAX concept, framework, and business model to Afreximbank for partnership and institutional backing.

Following engagements with Times Multimedia on the CAX proposal, Afreximbank in 2020 launched its own initiative known as the Creative Africa Nexus, CANEX. Times Multimedia alleges that CANEX substantially adopted the core concept, objectives, and structure of CAX without license, attribution, or contractual agreement, leading to the present suit for intellectual property infringement.

Afreximbank and other defendants filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, contending that the bank enjoys immunity from judicial proceedings in Nigeria under the _Afreximbank Establishment Agreement, 1993_, Section 9 of the _Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act_, Cap D1, LFN 2004, and the _African Export-Import Bank (Privileges and Immunities) Order, 2014_.

Afreximbank was established in October 1993 by African governments and investors to promote intra-African trade. Nigeria is a founding signatory. Article 50 of the Establishment Agreement provides that the Bank enjoys immunity from legal process except to the extent that it expressly waives such immunity.

Counsel to Times Multimedia Ltd. opposed the objection. Counsel argued that the immunity claimed by Afreximbank is not absolute, and that the same Establishment Agreement contains provisions contemplating circumstances where the bank may be sued or subjected to judicial proceedings, particularly in respect of commercial transactions.

The claimant’s legal team further urged the court to interpret the relevant instruments holistically and to avoid any construction that would unjustifiably deny an aggrieved Nigerian entity access to court in the absence of a clear and express exclusion of the court’s jurisdiction, as guaranteed under Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

Counsel for both sides argued extensively for over one hour. At the end of proceedings, Justice Osiagor reserved the matter for ruling and adjourned the case to Monday, 29 September 2026.

The ruling will determine whether the suit can proceed against Afreximbank before the Federal High Court.

Featured

Fake Agency Scandal: NDC Demands Gbajabiamila’s Sack

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving a purported non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise any credible investigation into the matter.

The NDC’s demand follows allegations made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has publicly denied exists.

According to the party, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the Tinubu administration.

The NDC alleged that despite the Presidency’s denial of the agency’s existence, the PFIPC purportedly secured budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act and opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly establish multiple high-level government financial accounts without official approval or the required documentation.

It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to explain whether forged documents were used in processing the accounts.

The statement further alleged that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, describing the development as another issue requiring urgent explanation.

According to the NDC, the allegations also include claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at N27.39 billion, a request Adeyemi allegedly rejected.

The party also cited Adeyemi’s claim that he secured his appointment through the Chief of Staff after allegedly paying N600 million, of which N400 million was allegedly paid through proxies, while N200 million remained outstanding.

It said the alleged unpaid balance reportedly contributed to the Presidency’s subsequent denial of the agency’s existence.

The NDC further alleged that the claims point to a wider pattern of institutional corruption, including the alleged sale of public appointments.

The party also linked the controversy to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom it described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after the police reportedly received a petition from the Chief of Staff.

The NDC also referenced Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, including an attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on September 7, 2025, and alleged that certain individuals within government are plotting to eliminate him.

Against the backdrop of the allegations, the party demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila to allow what it described as a full and impartial investigation.

It also called on President Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.

The NDC further urged investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi, while recommending that Adeyemi be granted witness protection.

The party also demanded that the Chief of Staff produce all official documents signed since assuming office for forensic examination.

In addition, it called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation over their alleged roles in the matter.

The opposition party also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice,” the statement said.

The Presidency has previously maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had responded to the fresh allegations contained in the NDC statement.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Former CNN Anchor, Isha Sesay

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.

The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.

An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.

Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.

Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.

More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.

On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.

Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am