After enduring more than eight years in detention without facing trial, a Nigerian man, John Gift Tobia, has finally been released from prison.
Tobia was arrested on March 6, 2017, and remanded in custody while awaiting trial—a trial that never came. For 8 years, 4 months, and 10 days, he remained behind bars without ever being formally tried or convicted of any crime.
His prolonged detention without due process highlights a deeply troubling flaw in Nigeria’s judicial and correctional systems.
In a rare moment of justice, a High Court in Rivers State unconditionally ordered his release in June 2025, bringing an end to what many have described as an unjust and traumatic chapter in his life.
Following his release, Tobia was visibly emotional and grateful. He expressed deep appreciation for the lawyer who took up his case and fought tirelessly for his freedom. He also spoke about his future plans, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding his life after nearly a decade lost behind bars.
Public Outrage and Online Reactions
Tobia's ordeal has sparked widespread criticism of the Nigerian justice system, especially regarding the high number of individuals languishing in prison without trial. Social media users reacted with a mix of anger, frustration, and despair:
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@Junnynba1 wrote: “There are still thousands of people in there, just wasting away. Many of them are still awaiting trial and some are completely innocent. Nigeria’s system is deeply broken. Do whatever it takes to stay out of trouble, because once you’re in, it can mess up your life for good.”
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@eSoul_licker added: “If Nigeria never happen to someone you know, you’d think this video was scripted content.”
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@TheRealGulu commented: “For a crime whose penalty might have been just two years or a fine. 🤦🏾♂️”
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@the_onbeatable noted: “Nothing hurts more than knowing that the second in command during the Buhari administration—himself a constitutional lawyer—couldn't bring about meaningful prison reforms. It proves just how powerless or indifferent the office of the Vice President can be in Nigeria’s political setup. It's painful.”
A Symptom of a Broken System
Tobia's story is not an isolated case. Legal experts and human rights advocates have long warned about the dangers of Nigeria’s overburdened and underfunded judicial system. Thousands of individuals remain incarcerated without trial, some for minor infractions, others without clear charges. The country’s prisons are overcrowded, and case backlogs in courts often delay justice indefinitely.
Activists are now calling for urgent reforms, including the enforcement of time limits on pre-trial detentions, improved legal aid access for indigent defendants, and greater accountability within law enforcement and the judiciary.
Tobia’s freedom is a bittersweet reminder that justice delayed is often justice denied—and that for many others, freedom may still be a long way off.
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