A Nigerian man, Emmanuel Ihejirika, who had been sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has been released after several years in prison.
His release was made possible through the pro bono efforts of Washington, D.C.-based Nigerian lawyer, Emmanuel Isha Ogebe.
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed the development on Friday, praising Ogebe for his dedication and selflessness in taking on the case.
Dabiri-Erewa recalled that years ago, a Nigerian delegation led by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ojo Madueke, and including herself, had visited Indonesia to plead for clemency for 21 Nigerians on death row for drug trafficking. Four of those convicted had been executed, along with an Indonesian and a British citizen.
Ihejirika’s case, however, was taken up by Ogebe, who believed it was a case of mistaken identity.
Ogebe worked tirelessly to bring the case before Indonesia’s Supreme Court, ultimately securing Ihejirika’s release in December.
Dabiri-Erewa commended Ogebe’s efforts, saying, “His selflessness and kindness in offering pro bono services for Ihejirika exemplify true compassion.”
She also reiterated the seriousness of drug-related offenses in Indonesia, where the penalty for drug trafficking is death, urging Nigerians to avoid criminal activities.
The NiDCOM boss also praised the Nigerian Charge D’Affaires in Indonesia, Patricia Alechenu, for her unwavering support throughout the case.
Ogebe, in his remarks, thanked Dabiri-Erewa for her longstanding support of Nigerians abroad and pledged to continue working with NiDCOM to assist other Nigerians in similar situations.
