EMPATHY : Ohanaeze Ndigbo Facilitates Release Of 10 Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre Inmates In Lagos
In what many Igbo residents in Lagos state have described as vivid show of true brotherhood, empathy and Solid amity, 10 inmates hitherto languishing at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre , yesterday,September 7, 2026, regained their freedom. Their unexpected freedom which was facilitated by members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, has received much commendations from across the country.This is even as many Igbo Community leaders and stakeholders ,have also praised the efforts which was orchestrated by the Prison Freedom intervention train anchored by Chief Linus Igbudu led Ohanaeze Ndigbo State Chapter. News Planet International reports that the state chapter of the Apex Igbo organization succeeded to effect the inmates release from the Correctional Centre by paying their fines for minor offences,which kept the victims inside the facility for several months. According to the Group, Some of the released persons, were victims of circumstances who were arrested, remanded, and forgotten without anyone to bail them.To speed up their rehabilitation and enable the freed inmates to quickly reintegrate into the society , Ohanaeze Ndigbo also gifted the beneficiaries with bags of food, clothes, provisions, and cash support .Addressing his members shortly after the inmates release, Chief Igbudu expressed gratitude to the officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service at Kirikiri, and the Lagos State Government for granting approval for the release. Chief Igbudu also explained that their efforts in facilitating the inmates release, was not to encourage crime, but to give a second chance to those who made mistakes and had no one to speak for them.“This is about humanity and our Igbo spirit of ‘Onye aghala nwanne ya’ — that no brother should be left behind,” Chief Igbudu said. “Some of these young men have stayed here for months over minor issues. We thank God that today, they can breathe fresh air and start afresh”, Igbudu added.Also speaking, Ohanaeze Ndigbo South- West Co- ordinator , Chief Everest Ozonweke, who was part of the train, commended the Lagos chapter for the bold step. Chief Ozonweke, popularly known as Onowu , also praised the initiative as one that reflects the true values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the apex umbrella body of Igbo people worldwide.“This is what Ohanaeze stands for — unity, love, and lifting our people,” Ozonweke noted. “I urge the released brothers to turn a new leaf, avoid the circumstances that led them here, and become better citizens”, he added that, “Ohanaeze will continue to stand with our people in times of trouble”.In his own contribution, one of the vocal Igbo Leaders ,Prince Ubochi Ubochi, informed the freed inmates of the enormous personal sacrifices Ohanaeze Ndigbo Members endured to ensure their release. Prince Ubochi further assured them that the organization will follow up with their rehabilitation support to help them start life again.“Ohaneze members showed you love and compassion today,” Prince Ubochi said. “This is not just about paying fines. It is about giving hope. Do not return to crime. Make us proud and make Ndigbo proud”, he added.A prominent Igbo woman Leader,renowned Philanthropist and Founder of Odimma Umuada Igbo Prestigious Women Foundation , OUIPWF, Chief Mrs.Violet Uche Obiora , fondly called Onaedo , was present with some of her women ,to give her usual motherly support and colour to the outreach.Expressing joy, the 10 freed inmates expressed deep appreciation to Ohaneze Ndigbo and promised to be of good behavior. They described the organization as “saviors” who gave them a second chance at life.
