Mrs Celestina Amadi, a widow from Abazu Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, narrates to CHUKWUDI AKASIKE how her son, David, was allegedly falsely accused of robbery and sentenced to death 28 years ago, as well as the family’s unsuccessful efforts to secure his release
Can you tell us about yourself and your son, David Amadi, including how long he has been in prison?
I am Celestina Amadi, a 75-year-old widow. My son, David Amadi, has been in prison for 28 years. He was imprisoned when he was 17 years old, and he is now 45.
Could you tell us the circumstances that led to his imprisonment?
One day in 1998, police officers came to our compound and met my husband, who was David’s father. They asked about David’s whereabouts, and my husband told them he was not at home but had gone to a dance event in Uzoagba. The policemen immediately began searching for my son. He had gone there with the son of a man called Vita.
