Man regains freedom after over eight years in prison without trial
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A Nigerian man, John Tobia, who had been held in prison without trial since March 6, 2017, has regained his freedom after spending 8 years, 4 months, and 10 days behind bars.
Tobia was reportedly arrested by the Nigeria Police and remanded in custody while his case was still pending trial. Shockingly, no court hearing ever took place throughout his detention at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
His eventual release on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, 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 (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, saying, “Freedom after 8 years, 4 months and 10 days. Court don release John Gift Tobia wey Nigerian P0lice send go pr,is0n 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.
