A Nigerian 31-year old man who was sentenced to death as a juvenile has expressed his happiness at being released from prison and reunited with his family after such a very long time, following a relentless global campaign by Amnesty International.
Patrick Okoroafor was just 14 when he was arrested in 1995 and 16 when sentenced to death for armed robbery, a crime which he says he didn’t commit.
Amnesty International considers Patrick Okoroafor’s trial to have been grossly unfair and has repeatedly called for his immediate and unconditional release.
Authorities in Nigeria’s Imo State commuted Patrick Okoroafor’s sentence to life imprisonment months after the original death sentence was imposed. In October 2001, a High Court judgement pronounced the sentence of death on him to be unlawful, null and void and changed his sentence to detention “during the pleasure of the governor” – indefinite detention.
In 2009, one year after Amnesty International launched its campaign to release Patrick Okoroafor; his sentence was reduced to ten years. The following year it was reduced again to two years. He was finally released on 30 April 2012.
Patrick Okoroafor featured regularly in Amnesty’s global solidarity letter-writing campaign and has received more than 10,000 cards and letters. In writing a letter of gratitude in 2010, Patrick Okoroafor encouraged his supporters to not give up in their efforts of campaigning for him. He wrote:
Upon his release Patrick Okoroafor said:
“After Amnesty began its call for my release from prison, and after reading some of the thousands of letters, card and messages sent to me by Amnesty supporters, I began to hope that I would soon be free in the not too distant future.”
Amnesty International’s Nigeria Researcher Lucy Freeman said:
“It is fantastic that Patrick Okoroafor is finally free. Patrick was denied the right to a fair trial and was a victim of a miscarriage of justice.
“Unfortunately, Patrick Okoroafor was just one of many prisoners in Nigeria who did not have a fair trial. Human rights violations are prevalent in Nigeria’s justice system. Arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and unfair trials are features of many inmates’ experience.”
SOURCE Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
YOU BETTER GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND BECOME A NEW PERSON
ReplyDeleteGod is not asleep. He is doing great work for us Nigerians and for our lovely country. Let his promises be anchored in your heart. Have faith in Him. God is not asleep over what is happening. Keep praying for this nation and her present government. Isaiah 3: 10 says, it is well. Only God can put an end to every urgly trend in this country, in Jesus name.Please, say amen!
ReplyDeleteSay always, JOB 22:29 “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; He shall save the humble person. My hope, courage, and strength every day to live for.
Thanks
@anonymous (may 10, 7:54am)..what is the meaning of that statement??? Are you not even happy he is outta jail and has a second shot at life??
ReplyDeleteEven if u want him to get born again, is that how Christ taught us to do it?? Why won't u just show some love?? Are u better than him in any way?? U better repent of your heartlessness and embrace the love of God our Father...
I am happy for you Patrick,...God bless your remaining years on earth,....Amen
Well,God has given him a second chance.If he goes back to crime then he is on his own. I remeber the number of people who died during the Osisikankwu kiddnapping and armed robbery reign of terror in Abia state. So i dont want to delve into whether he did commit the crime or not but he must he must do a thorough search -in to know how to live a new life. I think he is the only living member of the OTOKOTO gang whose heinous murder case in Imo state some years agocased a lot of outcry because of the nature of the murder,how baberic and the factthat such crime had been going on with impunity I stand to be corrected.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Mr. Patrick, God kept you for a special purpose on earth. Make good use of this precious second chance.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys should do your research before your make any comment. Young Patrick was not guilty of the crime.His father was a Director General an upright man who will not give bribe to any police officer as he was asked to give bribe to release Patrick. please go to Youtube or google to get more information. And for the Anonymous who judged expect your too.
ReplyDeleteGuy, Patrict & his dad ar 2 different people. A mango tree cannot bear pawpaw. But atimes some mangoes can be routen.I think, it is pertinent for Patrict to note that God kept him for a special purpose on earth. Make good use of this second chance.
ReplyDelete