I Was Sentenced to Death for a Crime I Didn’t Commit” — Lagos Man Spends 14 Years in Prison
Speaking in an interview with Punch Newspapers, Sani said, “I was sentenced to death for a crime I didn’t commit, then I spent 14 years in prison.”
He explained that his ordeal began in 2007 when he was just 19 years old and living in Ikorodu, Lagos.
According to him, the incident started when he went to identify a friend who had been apprehended and beaten by members of the Oodua People’s Congress. He alleged that although he was not involved in any criminal activity, he was also beaten, tortured, and later handed over to the police...READ FULL STORY; FROM THE SOURCE.
He was moved through different detention facilities and kept under harsh conditions while his case proceeded through the courts. In 2011, he was sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of conspiracy and armed robbery, which he knew nothing about.
Sani described that period as one of the darkest moments of his life, saying he felt abandoned and hopeless. However, while in prison, he turned to faith and education. He enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria and also began writing books aimed at inspiring other inmates.
His case later took a new turn when a lawyer reviewed the matter and filed an appeal. According to him, the Court of Appeal ruled that there was no evidence to sustain the armed robbery conviction. Although another lesser conviction remained, his sentence was reduced.
He was eventually released in 2021 after spending 14 calendar years in custody.
Now an ordained pastor, Sani says he hopes his experience will inspire justice reform and encourage young Nigerians to avoid trouble and always seek legal help when necessary.
Watch full video below from: 8:16 to 8:40
