Emmanuel Ihejirika, a Nigerian man who was sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia, has been freed after several years on death row. The news of his release was confirmed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in a statement issued on Friday by the organization’s spokesman, Gabriel Odu.
Ihejirika’s freedom was secured through the pro bono efforts of Emmanuel Isha Ogebe, a Nigerian lawyer based in Washington D.C., who took on his case after suspecting a case of mistaken identity.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to Ogebe, saying, “His selflessness and dedication to the case saved a life. His effort is a remarkable example of patriotism and commitment to justice.”
The case took years of legal battle, as Ogebe approached Indonesia’s Supreme Court, where Ihejirika was eventually exonerated. Ogebe had previously reached out to Dabiri-Erewa, requesting her intervention in the matter, and worked tirelessly to ensure the man’s freedom.
Dabiri-Erewa also acknowledged the severe consequences of drug trafficking in Indonesia, emphasizing, “In Indonesia, the penalty for drug trafficking is death. We continue to urge Nigerians to avoid engaging in such criminal activities.”
She further extended her appreciation to Ms. Patricia Alechenu, the Nigerian Charge D’Affaires in Indonesia, for her consistent support throughout the legal proceedings.
