By Damian Ugwu
The tragic demise of Arthur Jodah Angel on July 14, 2024, at his home in Ugboha, Edo state marks a profound loss for Nigeria and the global anti-death penalty movement.
Angel was a titan in the fight against capital punishment in Nigeria, a man whose name was synonymous with the cause. His untimely death is a profound loss to the nation.
Arthur grew up in the vibrant city of Onitsha, Anambra state, where he lived until he was arrested in January 1984. Accused of merely visiting a suspected criminal, his life took a cruel detour. Two years stretched into an eternity as he languished in the grim confines of police cells and prison, a phantom haunting the corridors of justice as an awaiting trial detainee.
Then, the noose of fate tightened; convicted of murder, his sentence was death by hanging Instead. He spent fifteen years swallowed by the iron jaws of incarceration. Nine of those harrowing years were spent on death row, a condemned man living each dawn as a reprieve. Through the crucible of torture and the shadow of repeated assassination attempts, Arthur’s spirit, like a defiant flame, refused to be extinguished. Arthur once told me that he witnessed the execution of 380 people during his incarceration.
Arthur’s journey from a wrongly convicted death row inmate to a leading human rights activist is nothing short of extraordinary. His personal experience of incarceration ignited a fire within him, propelling him to become a beacon of hope for countless others trapped in a system that often seemed impervious to change. Arthur was more than just an activist; he was a dedicated humanitarian. Though he travelled the world, he preferred the quiet life of his village in Edo State with his 17-year-old son.
There, he’s building a retreat camp to help rehabilitate former inmates. Ironically, the police later accused this young boy of his father’s murder, adding a layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking story.
Arthur’s life was dedicated to the welfare of death row inmates. As the founder and director of Life Wire International Foundation, his organization provided pro bono legal and humanitarian services to thousands of prisoners over the past decade. He spends his daily life looking after the welfare of prisoners, raising awareness about the harsh conditions in prisons and offering humanitarian services to prisoners. His tireless efforts to expose the harsh realities of incarceration and advocate for the rights of prisoners have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian justice system.
My first encounter with Arthur was in April 2018 during an awareness program on the use of the death penalty in Nigeria at Benin City Edo State. Our meeting blossomed into a close friendship marked by mutual respect and admiration. His commitment to his work and passion as a human rights defender and advocate of prisoners’ rights is never in doubt. I can remember calling Arthur on several occasions in the middle of the night or early morning to ask him for confirmation regarding an impending execution of death row prisoners or prison unrest in a particular correction Center. His response was usually short and direct: ” Give me two hours bro, I will get back to you soon”.
He never failed to revert with appropriate information and advice about the next step. Arthur’s passion for his work was infectious, and his deep knowledge of the prison system was invaluable. He became my go-to person for information and advice on prison monitoring and advocacy.
His prison memoir remains one of my most prized pieces of literature on prison reforms in Nigeria. The book “I Refused to Die, ” is a harrowing account of his 15 years in prison, including nine on death row. “I Refused to Die,” is more than just a memoir; it’s a scathing indictment of the inhuman conditions within Nigeria’s prisons and a clarion call for reform. It is a powerful testament to his resilience and a damning indictment of the human rights abuses prevalent in Nigerian correctional centres. His book, drawings, and paintings gave a platform to the oppressed, revealing the systemic flaws within the justice system.
Beyond his personal story, Arthur Angel was a champion for the marginalized. He amplified the voices of those trapped in the criminal justice system, offering them hope and support. His legacy extends far beyond his own life; it is a call to action for a more just and compassionate society.
His unwavering commitment to justice, his infectious optimism, and his unshakeable belief in the power of the human spirit are an inspiration. We must honour Arthur’s memory by continuing his fight for human rights. We must also insist on a thorough investigation to unravel his killers. Above all, we must carry forward his work, ensuring that his sacrifice is not in vain.
Rest in peace, Arthur. Your legacy will live on.
