The Ogun State Government has clarified a viral report claiming that Ogbonna Ogbojionu, a released convict, is wrongfully incarcerated. The state government responds that Ogbonna is rightfully jailed for an armed robbery that killed a man called Moses Bankole.
Reports circulating were that the convict was wrongfully imprisoned for two decades for merely buying a stolen generator. The actual culprit, Segun Ajibade, was reportedly pardoned in 2016, leaving Ogbonna to unjustly remain detained for nine years.
However, in a statement released by the attorney general of Ogun state, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the entire narrative is false. Ogungbade clarifies that Ogbonna was convicted by the Ogun State High Court and sentenced to death on January 14, 2003.
Although, his sentence was later modified to life imprisonment in June 2021 by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun. The Attorney General explained that Ogbonna participated in robbing a 10 KVA generator and killing a guard at an ELF station.
Reunion after 26 years and controversial release
The recently freed convict is said to have made two confessional statements without objection, and no evidence in his defense. More importantly, his crimes impeded a business, terrorised Akanni Yusuf, and killed Moses Bankole.
The state government says those who see the ex-prisoner as a victim should remember Moses Bankole, the true, irredeemable victim. Moreover, the false claims and narrative are described as a fresh injustice to the victims of the former inmate’s crime.
It adds that Ogbonna should use his freedom wisely, as his honesty remains doubtful and is now known across the world. Meanwhile, Ogbonna, after being released from Kirikiri Prison in Lagos, reunites with his mother after 26 years.
Furthermore, his release is reportedly facilitated by the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, via engagement with the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The ex-convict benefited from Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy to mark Democracy Day 2025. The prerogative of mercy is a constitutional power granted to presidents and governors, advised by the Advisory Committee on Mercy.
