Mike-Ozekhome.webp
Convicted kidnapper Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, who held prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome hostage for three weeks, has had his prison sentence reduced. The notorious criminal, whose gang was responsible for multiple kidnappings and the murder of several police officers, was among 175 convicts granted clemency by President Tinubu, his 20-year term cut to 13 years for showing remorse and attending university.

Key Points:

  • Notorious kidnapper Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe has had his 20-year jail term reduced to 13 years.
  • He was convicted for the 2013 abduction of senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome and the murder of police officers.
  • The reduction was part of a presidential pardon granted to 175 convicts.
  • The presidency cited his "remorsefulness" and enrollment at the National Open University.
  • Ozekhome was held for three weeks, and a N40 million ransom was paid for his release.
  • Ezigbe's gang was also responsible for kidnapping a former Delta State commissioner.
  • His sentence was to run from his 2013 arrest date, making him eligible for release soon.
This clemency forces a difficult public conversation about the redemption of violent offenders versus the enduring trauma of their victims.

Sources: The Cable