Fortune has finally smiled on, Celestine Egbonuche, described as Nigeria’s oldest prisoner, as the gates of the Enugu Maximum Prison were thrown open for him to breathe the air of freedom onece again.
The cheery news, is said to be part of the parting gift of former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, who ordered for his release, through a state pardon before quitting power, last week.
Said to be over 100 years, Egbunuche, who was imprisoned in 2,000, about 19 years, was released on Thursday to his only surviving daughter, Chisom Celestine, through a non-governmental organisation, Global Society for Anti-corruption (GSAC), Punch is reporting.
A native of Amachara-Owerre, Akokwa in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, the former prisoner, was condemned to death along with his son, Paul, and another relation, now 87.
Initial reports, which had attracted local and national sympathy, said the conviction was for murder case, arising from a land dispute in the community.
The reprieve came from former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, who was said to have granted Egbunuche state pardon last week following campaigns championed by GSAC.
Immediately after his release, Celestine was taken to St. Daniel’s Hospital in Enugu where he was examined to ensure that he was fit before going home.
Regional Director, GSAC, Amaka Nweke, said: “Actually on the 5th of September, we petitioned the president of our dear country and past Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha pleading for pardon for Pa Celestine.
“His pardon was granted based on his age and his health condition because we found out that his health condition was worsening every day. As a centenarian, he is not supposed to be in prison. When you check other countries you can’t find someone of his age in prison.
“On Sunday, I got a call from the former Attorney General of Imo state that he has been granted pardon by the state government.”
The centenarian’s daughter also called for the release of her brother, Paul, saying that he was innocent of the crime.
