A Nigerian man Emmanuel Ihejirika, sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has been released after years in prison. His case was taken up pro bono by Nigerian lawyer Emmanuel Isha Ogebe, who successfully appealed to the Supreme Court. Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), commended Ogebe for his selflessness and kindness.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that Indonesia’s penalty for drug trafficking is death and urged Nigerians to avoid crime. She praised Ogebe’s pro bono services and the support of Nigerian Charge D’Affaires in Indonesia, Patricia Alechenu.
Ogebe thanked Dabiri-Erewa for her prompt intervention in cases related to Nigerians in Diaspora, describing her as “a morale booster.” He pledged to continue working with Dabiri-Erewa and the NIDCOM team.
Ihejirika’s release follows a visit by a Nigerian delegation, including Dabiri-Erewa, to an Indonesian prison to plead for clemency for 21 Nigerians on death row for drug trafficking. Four of them were executed. Ogebe’s efforts led to Ihejirika’s release in December.
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