An individual from Nigeria, Emmanuel Ihejirika, who had previously been sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has been granted release after spending several years in prison.
According to a statement from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Emmanuel Ihejirika was released with the assistance of Nigerian lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, based in Washington DC, who provided pro bono legal services.
The case gained attention some time ago when a Nigerian delegation, including a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and the NiDCOM chairman, visited Indonesian prisons in an attempt to secure clemency for Nigerians facing the death penalty.
Unfortunately, four Nigerians, an Indonesian, and a British citizen were executed despite these efforts.
Emmanuel Ogebe took on Ihejirika’s case, believing it to be a case of mistaken identity, and pursued it all the way to the Indonesian Supreme Court, resulting in Ihejirika’s eventual release.
“Ogebe’s perseverance paid off as he successfully argued the case in the Supreme Court, leading to Ihejirika’s exoneration,” the statement highlighted.
During a meeting in Washington DC, Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended Ogebe for his dedication and selflessness.
She reiterated the severe penalties for drug trafficking in Indonesia and urged Nigerians to steer clear of criminal activities.
“Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the gravity of drug trafficking penalties in Indonesia, underscoring the importance for Nigerians to refrain from engaging in illicit activities,” the statement emphasized.
The release was also attributed to the support of the Nigerian Charge d’Affaires in Indonesia, Patricia Alechenu.