Nigerian Prison Reform Activist Arthur Judah Angel Assassinated in Edo

Nigerian human rights defender and anti-death penalty advocate Arthur Judah Angel, who spent nine years on death row for a crime he did not commit, has been assassinated in his home in Ugboha, Esan South East, Edo state.

Arthur Judah Angel, the President and founder of Life Wire International Foundation and author of “I Refused to Die,” was found killed and buried in a shallow grave on Sunday. His house was also burned down by the assailants.

Angel was pardoned and released from prison after being wrongfully sentenced to death in 1986. Since his release, he had been a fervent advocate against the death penalty, traveling to over 15 countries to share his story through art exhibitions and drawings.

His cousin, Michael Ihaza, confirmed the assassination, noting that the family has ongoing legal battles over land disputes. Ihaza expressed skepticism about the allegation that Angel’s 15-year-old son was responsible for the murder, suggesting that this narrative might be an attempt to divert attention from the real perpetrators.

“We want the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice,” Ihaza stated.

Edo State Police Command spokesperson SP Chidi Nwabuzor said there was no official record of the incident yet and requested the location details to initiate an investigation.

Arthur Judah Angel’s autobiography, “I Refused to Die,” recounts his harrowing experience on death row and his subsequent efforts to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system. His story serves as a powerful critique of the flawed and corrupt penal system in the country, highlighting his resilience and advocacy for justice.