Ex-inmate Credits RCCG for Intervention in Death Sentence Case

Fakorede Olawale, a 38-year-old former inmate, has shared a heart-wrenching tale of how the Redeemed Christian Church of God's Prison and Hospital Ministry intervened in his case, helping him navigate a trying period. Olawale's story was made public at the seventh edition of the RCCG National Prison and Hospital Ministry Conference, which was themed 'A New Beginning' and held at the RCCG House of Favour, Redemption City, in Ogun State. According to Olawale, his troubles began in 2015 when he was arrested and charged with cultism, armed robbery, attempted murder, and other offences while he was in his 300 level at the university. He spent seven years in prison awaiting trial, during which time he lost his father, his freedom, and his education. Olawale noted that his involvement in cultism was a result of bad choices he made during his secondary school days, and not because he came from a broken home. In fact, his late father was a minister in the church, and his mother is a deaconess. It was during his time in prison that Olawale encountered the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry and gave his life to Christ in 2017. However, his conversion did not shield him from the consequences of his actions, and in 2022, he was sentenced to death by hanging after seven years of awaiting trial. Olawale was given two death sentences, two life imprisonments, one 14-year sentence, and another 10-year prison term. After his sentencing, he was transferred to Abeokuta prison. Fortunately, through the intervention of the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry, Olawale was eventually set free, although the process that led to his freedom was not disclosed. Olawale wrote a letter to the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, in 2024, asking for prayers and help. He recalled that Pastor Adeboye sent one of his pastors to pray for him, and although he does not know how God intervened in his case, he is grateful for the mercy he received. Olawale's story highlights the importance of the work being done by the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry, which provides support to inmates and helps them to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. The Secretary to the General Overseer, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo, emphasized that not everyone in correctional centres is a convicted criminal, noting that many inmates are still awaiting trial. He stressed the need for continuous evangelism and support for inmates, saying that spiritual transformation is central to rehabilitation efforts. The National Chairman of the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry, Pastor Ariyo Popoola, appreciated the support of Pastor Adeboye, his wife, Folu, and members of the ministry for sustaining intervention programmes across correctional centres. The ministry has provided food items, educational materials, pro bono legal services, and payment of hospital bills, while also rehabilitating vehicles used in correctional facilities. Popoola revealed plans to construct a N600m 'Halfway Home' on a 10-acre parcel of land to provide temporary accommodation and reintegration support for ex-inmates after their release. The Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration, Pastor Oladele Balogun, described a new beginning as a divine reset made possible through God's intervention. He said that a new beginning is not dependent on one's location, condition, or past, but rather on God's intervention. The Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Dele Ajibogun, urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and pursue measurable reforms, stressing that the Nigerian Correctional Service cannot do it alone and needs the support of the church and other faith-based institutions.