The Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) announced the development in a statement on Friday. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, commended Ogebe for his dedication and legal expertise in handling Ihejirika’s case, which had been deemed one of mistaken identity.
The statement highlighted that years ago, a Nigerian delegation led by former Foreign Minister Amb. Ojo Madueke and including Dabiri-Erewa, had visited Indonesian prisons to advocate for clemency for Nigerian death row inmates. Since then, four Nigerians, among others, had been executed.
Ogebe took up Ihejirika’s case, bringing it to the Indonesian Supreme Court, where the conviction was overturned in December. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the severe penalties for drug trafficking in Indonesia and urged Nigerians to avoid criminal activities abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa praised Ogebe’s selflessness and also acknowledged the support of Nigerian Charge d’Affaires in Indonesia, Ms. Patricia Alechenu. Ogebe expressed gratitude to Dabiri-Erewa for her consistent support of Nigerians in the diaspora and pledged continued collaboration with NIDCOM.
