According to Vanguard, Popular TikTok personality Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as Seaking, has sparked a conversation about the harsh realities faced by inmates in Nigeria's Kirikiri prison, particularly the plight of those who have been incarcerated for an exceptionally long time for relatively minor offenses. In a viral video, Seaking shared his personal experience during a visit to the prison, where he met two inmates who have been behind bars since 1999 for their involvement in a stolen generator case.
According to Seaking, one of the men was arrested for allegedly stealing the generator, while the other was imprisoned for purchasing the stolen item. The shocking aspect of their case, as Seaking pointed out, is the fact that they have spent over 25 years in prison for what he describes as a crime that seems disproportionate to their punishment. Seaking questioned the logic behind imprisoning the buyer of the stolen generator alongside the thief, noting the glaring injustice of such a long sentence for a relatively minor crime.
His video revealed not only the bizarre and heartbreaking circumstances of these two men but also the broader issues facing the Nigerian prison system. Seaking stressed that the prison population is largely made up of impoverished individuals who lack the financial means to defend themselves. He observed that many of the inmates are from underprivileged backgrounds and are often trapped in the system because they cannot afford the legal representation necessary to fight their cases.
The TikTok star's comments have drawn attention to the socio-economic disparities within the prison system, where the poor and marginalized are disproportionately affected. Seaking noted, "Poor Nigerians are the ones in Kirikiri. When I entered there, I saw only poor and voiceless people there." His words resonate with many who have long criticized the Nigerian justice system for its unequal treatment of the disadvantaged, who often lack the resources to mount an effective defense or to appeal their convictions.