The Ogun State Government debunks widespread claims that Ogbonna Ogbojionu, recently freed after over 20 years in prison, was wrongly jailed for purchasing a stolen generator.
In a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the government clarified that Ogbojionu was lawfully convicted for his role in an armed robbery that led to the death of a security guard, Moses Bankole.
Ogbojionu was sentenced to death by the Ogun State High Court on January 14, 2003, after being found guilty of participating in a robbery at an ELF petrol station, during which a 10 KVA Lister generator was stolen and a guard killed.
His sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2021 by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The government noted that during the trial, 11 witnesses testified against Ogbojionu, and he made two unchallenged confessional statements.
He did not present any witnesses or evidence in his defense.
Ogungbade emphasized that Ogbojionu’s recent release was a result of the governor’s discretionary exercise of the prerogative of mercy, in recognition of Democracy Day 2025, taking into account the nature of his crime, his behavior while incarcerated.
He said …
“If, as the viral reports now claim, Segun Ajibade, has truly led a quiet life since his release, it likely suggests genuine remorse for his crimes and his gratitude for his freedom.
“This is the exact opposite of Ogbonna’s intransigence today and could explain why Ogbonna was not considered for release when Segun was.
“Ogbonna’s crime hobbled a business, terrorised Akanni Yusuf, and killed Moses Bankole.
“These victims or their relations remain today and attempts to sanitise Ogbonna’s conduct with falsehoods does fresh injustice to the victims.
“Those who, in a misguided quest for justice, are recreating Ogbonna as a victim will do well to remember Moses Bankole – the true and irredeemable victim of Ogbonna’s crime.
“If Ogbonna is truly reformed, he should silently and gratefully enjoy his freedom and pursue honest pursuits. Presently, his honesty is highly doubtful, and the world is hereby notified.”
