The Ogun State Government has refuted viral reports claiming that Ogbonna Ogboijonu was wrongfully imprisoned for over 26 years merely for purchasing a stolen generator.
In an official statement released on July 9, 2025, the government described the circulating narrative as false and misleading. According to the statement, Ogboijonu was not just a buyer but an active participant in a violent armed robbery that resulted in the death of a security guard.
The incident occurred on October 3, 2000, when a group of armed robbers attacked an ELF petrol station along the Abeokuta-Lagos road. During the robbery, one security guard, Moses Bankole, was killed, while another, Yusuf Akanni, sustained serious injuries. A 10KVA Lister generator was stolen in the attack.
The government stated that Ogboijonu, a generator technician, was identified as the person who detached the generator from its secured position. He was arrested days later after police intercepted a vehicle attempting to smuggle the stolen generator hidden under firewood and water bags. While two of his accomplices escaped, Ogboijonu was apprehended, briefly escaped custody, and was later re-arrested.
Investigations revealed that Ogboijonu led police to the buyer of the generator, who went on to testify against him in court.
In 2003, the Ogun State High Court found Ogboijonu guilty of armed robbery and sentenced him to death. His sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2021. He was released earlier this year under the Governor’s prerogative of mercy—a constitutional pardon that does not equate to exoneration.
The statement further noted that Ogboijonu did not testify in his own defense during the trial, nor did he present any witnesses to support his claims of innocence.
The government concluded by labeling the claims of wrongful imprisonment as a “lie,” asserting that the conviction was lawful and justified.
View the official post below…
