Man Freed After 25 Years in Jail Over Stolen Generator He Didn’t Steal
In a shocking reminder of Nigeria’s broken justice system, Kolawole Oladeji, a generator repairman from Ogun State, has finally regained freedom after spending over 25 years behind bars—for a generator he says he never stole. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
⚖️ A 1999 Arrest That Changed Everything
Oladeji was arrested on October 30, 1999, after someone brought a stolen generator to his workshop for repairs. Despite consistently maintaining his innocence, he was tried alongside three others and sentenced to death by hanging in January 2003.
“I have been in jail since 1999 for a crime I did not commit. I am a generator repairer,” Oladeji said upon release.
🙏 TikTok Helped Bring Justice
The case was reignited by TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as Seaking, who launched an awareness campaign demanding justice for Oladeji and his co-defendant, Ogbona Igbojionu.
Their plight sparked online outrage, pushing public pressure toward the Ogun State government, where Oladeji had already petitioned for clemency back in November 2020.
😲 Main Suspect Walked Free in 2016
Ironically, Segun Ajibade, believed to be the main culprit, was granted freedom in 2016 under then-Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Yet, Oladeji remained on death row even after his 2018 appeal was thrown out due to a withdrawn legal challenge.
💔 A Lifetime Stolen
For over two decades, Oladeji lived under the shadow of a death sentence—waiting, hoping, and praying. His release, though a victory, shines a brutal light on:
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⚖️ The failures of Nigeria’s legal system
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⏳ The pain of delayed justice
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🧑🔧 The plight of innocent artisans caught in crime webs
🗣️ What Nigerians Are Saying
The story has triggered massive reactions on social media:
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“This is heartbreaking. Imagine losing 25 years over something you didn’t do.”
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“How do you compensate someone for 25 years of life stolen?”
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“TikTok just saved a life. Seaking deserves accolades!”
🧭 What’s Next?
Now a free man, Kolawole Oladeji hopes to reunite with his family, rebuild his life, and help others who may be wrongfully jailed. Advocacy groups are already calling for compensation, legal reform, and an independent review of similar cases.