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- A justice movement started on social media as Nigerians rallied behind Kola Olajide, who has been imprisoned since 1999 for allegedly repairing a stolen generator
- He recounted how the customer who brought the generator to his workshop for repair was released
- Nigerians reacted to the case, advocating for a change in the justice system
The plight of Kolawole Olajide, imprisoned since 1999, has ignited nationwide sympathy and demands for justice. Sentenced to death in 2003 for possessing a stolen generator, his case has drawn widespread attention, with many advocating for his release.
At 64, Olajide recounts the events of October 30, 1999, when he was arrested after a generator, allegedly stolen by someone else, was brought to his workshop for repairs.
According to Sahara reporters, Olajide was charged and arraigned alongside three others in 2003, culminating in a death sentence pronounced on January 14, 2003. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his arrest, Kolawole remains hopeful as more Nigerians rally to support his fight for justice.
After serving years in a prison facility in Ogun State, he was transferred to the notorious Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Apapa, Lagos. Now, over two decades on death row, Olajide continues to maintain his innocence.
He explained, “I am a Yoruba person and I have been in jail since 1999 for a crime that I did not commit. I am a generator repairer and they gave me a generator to repair.
“The person that brought the generator to my workshop for repair has been released by Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun State because he has people that have money. Since then, I have been left here alone. My mother has died and my wife has also died.”
He further recounted the incident: “On that particular day, a customer approached me to repair the generator and after repairing it, Sunday Oloyede came to pick it up and took it to the Ogbona. I didn’t rob anyone and I didn’t know much about the generator; I was just a repairer.
“In 2016, they released the guy who brought the generator (main culprit) to the Amosun government. He has gone home.
“Since then, nobody has come for me, nothing has been done in my case. The main culprit has been released. We are three here: the driver who brought the generator and the person who wanted to sell.
“We have been in jail since 1999. They tried the case and sentenced me to death on January 14, 2003. I have been on death row since that time.”
The movement for Kolawole's freedom gained momentum after Tiktoker Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as Seaking, shared his observations from his time in Kirikiri. Highlighting the plight of those imprisoned unjustly, he pointed out that many are vulnerable individuals who cannot defend themselves.
He stated: ‘’Na poor people full Kirikiri.'’
Kolawole's story sparks reactions among netizens
Nigerians have reacted with empathy and outrage, encouraging further discourse about the justice system and advocating for Kolawole's case.
Here are some reactions below;
@maheel_kbj commented: “No be the GENERATOR wey hn repair be the offense, hn only offense be say na POOR MAN hn be 💔 God abeg o 😒🙏”
@BamiAndDele posted: “But what does Nigeria Law System gain by imprisoning most of her citizens who appears in the courtroom especially the poor... what joy do they derive in putting people in prison even when innocent (even the Police)”
@kennycool5 commented: “Even if he’s the one that stole the Generator. Is that enough crime to sentence him to death?”
@__derera__ commented: “Who are these judges??”
@bigmouth_bighead commented: “Abi no be this man that boy complain about for kirikiri ?”
@mannequin_lordess commented: “You better say the truth so that those that want to help can know how to go about it. What kind of empty story is this?”
@afrospice_cuisine commented: “Capital punishment for STOLEN GENERATOR??? Even if he was involved in the theft, the penalty is de@th??”
@lizzyofvalor commented: “It’s the wasted years for me, I pray his freedom comes soon”
@waxdigitals commented: “This is a disgrace to our justice system and a clear example of how broken Nigeria has become. A 64-year-old man has spent over two decades in prison and was sentenced to death just for allegedly repairing a stolen generator? This is nothing but pure injustice. How can a country treat its own citizens with such cruelty while real criminals walk free? This case must be revisited, and those responsible for this travesty must face the consequences. Nigeria, we can do better than this!”
@Franksvics commented: “Nigeria and it's Criminal justice system”
@sonofcharity_ commented: Once u r poor in Nigeria u r in a big problem automatically”
"Not in a working country": Outrage greets unjust 24-year imprisonment of bricklayer
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lukman Adeyemi is another alleged victim of injustice as he was reportedly imprisoned for 24 years.
With netizens expressing outrage over what they deemed to be wrongful imprisonment, his journey towards freedom took a hopeful turn when he crossed paths with the Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation (CJMR) team, under the leadership of Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, who offered their support and advocacy.