Rita Odafe
Emmanuel Ihejirika, a Nigerian citizen, has been freed after serving time in an Indonesian prison, where he was previously sentenced to death for drug trafficking.
This news was shared by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), via a statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson, Gabriel Odu, on Friday, September 13.
The successful release of Ihejirika was a result of the dedicated pro bono efforts by Emmanuel Isha Ogebe, a Nigerian attorney working in Washington, D.C.
A few years back, a Nigerian delegation, including former Foreign Minister Amb. Ojo Madueke, Dabiri-Erewa, and the then-chairman of the NDLEA, Mr. Ipinmosho, visited Indonesian prisons to advocate for clemency for 21 Nigerians who had received death sentences for drug offenses. Sadly, four individuals from that group lost their lives, along with citizens from Indonesia and Britain.
Ogebe, who believed that Ihejirika had been wrongly identified, sought assistance from Dabiri-Erewa and offered his legal services at no charge. He appealed to Indonesia’s Supreme Court, which ultimately led to Ihejirika’s release.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the harsh consequences of drug trafficking in Indonesia and advised Nigerians to avoid illegal activities. She also commended the Nigerian Charge D’Affaires in Indonesia, Ms. Patricia Alechenu, for her unwavering support during this challenging process.
