A Nigerian man, Kolawole Oladeji, has regained his freedom after spending over 20 years in jail following a death sentence in 2003 for a stolen generator case.
Oladeji was released alongside Ogbona Igbojionu, who was convicted with him. Their case gained public attention thanks to TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as Seaking, who campaigned for their release.
Oladeji was arrested on October 30, 1999, after a generator allegedly stolen by another person was brought to his workshop for repairs.
Despite maintaining his innocence, he was tried with three others and sentenced to death by hanging on January 14, 2003.
He claimed that Segun Ajibade, identified as the main culprit, was freed in 2016 by then Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, while he remained in prison. Oladeji said, “I have been in jail since 1999 for a crime I did not commit. I am a generator repairer.”
In 2018, his appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan after his lawyer withdrew the case. In November 2020, Oladeji petitioned Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for clemency, pleading for mercy and a chance to reunite with his family.
His release marks the end of more than two decades on death row, highlighting the long delay in justice for his case.
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