A Nigerian, Emmanuel Ihejirika, previously sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia, has been released after years in prison.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu in the Public Relations Unit of the commission, on Friday, said Ihejirika was released due to pro bono efforts of Nigerian lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, based in Washington DC.

The case drew attention several years ago when a Nigerian delegation, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ojo Madueke and NiDCOM chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, then a member of the House of Representatives, visited Indonesian prisons to seek clemency for Nigerians on death row. 

Ogebe took up Ihejirika’s case, which he believed was a case of mistaken identity, and pursued it through the Indonesian Supreme Court. His legal work culminated in Ihejirika’s release. 

Dabiri-Erewa praised Ogebe during a meeting in Washington DC, highlighting his selflessness and commitment.She reiterated the severe consequences of drug trafficking in Indonesia and urged Nigerians to avoid such crimes.