An Ijaw man from Egbema Kingdom, Mr. Newman Osia, now known as Pastor Newman Osia, has claimed that he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death over offences he alleges were committed by a relative who closely resembles him.
He, however, appealed to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, Engr Matthew Tonlagha, Engr Kestin Pondi, Amb. Jude Ukori, Alhaji Emmmanuel Omoko, Chief Promise Lawuru, INC president, Chief Barr McDonald IGBADIWEI and Others to prevail on the excecutive governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori to grant him Clemency.
Pastor Osia, an indigene of Ajakurama Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, is currently being held at the Warri Correctional Centre, where he has remained in custody for the past 25 years following his conviction by a court.
A team from Congress Newspaper visited the correctional facility on Thursday last week as part of an independent fact-finding mission into his case after receiving reports alleging that he may have been wrongfully convicted.
Speaking with Congress Newspaper correspondents, Pastor Osia recounted the circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent conviction. He maintained that he was not involved in the crime for which he was sentenced.
According to his account, he had lent his motorcycle to a relative for a journey, unaware that the relative would allegedly use the motorcycle to commit offences involving theft and burglary. He claimed that he was later arrested, prosecuted, and eventually sentenced to death despite his insistence that he had no knowledge of, or involvement in, the alleged crimes.
Pastor Osia further stated that he has spent the last 25 years in custody while continuing to maintain his innocence.
Details later…