Eric Patrick
A Nigerian man identified as John Tobia has finally regained his freedom after spending more than eight years in prison without facing trial.
Tobia was arrested by the Nigeria Police on March 6, 2017, and held at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
His case never progressed to a court hearing throughout the 8 years, 4 months, and 10 days he spent in custody.
His prolonged incarceration without trial highlights ongoing concerns about delays and injustices within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
His release on Tuesday, June 4, was made possible through the intervention of a human rights lawyer, Hope Azeru-Oziri, popularly known on social media as “Law in Pidgin.”
The lawyer, who took up the case on a pro bono basis, shared the news on X on Thursday.
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He wrote, “Freedom after 8 years, 4 months and 10 days. Court don release John Gift Tobia wey Nigerian Police send go pris0n for no reason. John Gift Tobia dey awaiting tria| for 8 years, 4 months and 10 days. Normally, e no suppose better for some P0lice men.
“Gift dey awaiting trial for years with no Hope until God remember am through me. On 4/6/2025, High Court for Rivers State don free am.”
In a follow up video, Tobia, who appeared visibly emotional upon his release, was seen expressing gratitude to the lawyer who fought for his freedom.
He also spoke briefly about his plans to rebuild his life after nearly a decade of lost time.