One On One chat with Jerry as he tells us about his experience in detention

Today we meet Jerry Hossey Uduimoh who will tell us about his experience in Cyprus prison. 

Jerry and his lawyer, Ramadan Sanivar today paid a visit to NANS president, Turkish Zone, Comrade Evidence Ahayere, in his office to thank him for the support and the role he played in his release. 

After the visit, Olomoinfo Blog invited Mr Jerry for an interview where he spoke on how he was proved innocent of the murder case brought against him, his experience and life in prison and what he intends to do next.

Recall that on Monday July 31, we brought you a report that Jerry has been released from detention, 19 months after he was accused for the alleged murder of another Nigerian, Ebinabo Mendeinyo, on December 26, 2015, but not many of us knew what really happened. Here's Jerry's experiences so far. 

-Congrats on your release Mr Jerry.

Thanks.

-How was your experience in prison?

Not fine. It wasn't easy. I found myself in an environment I'm not used to. I'm a free person so staying there restricted me a lot. I was thinking so much because i didn't know my faith. I know i was innocent of the charges but i couldn't tell what could happen. It was really a bad experience.

-Do you really have a part to play in the murder of Ebinabo Mendeinyo?

No. I was never involved in the incident. Some guys came to my friends apartment to look for the guy who they said smashed someone's head at a party. When they knocked, Ebinabo Mendeinyo was the one who opened the door. The guy whose head was smashed quickly identified Ebinabo as the guy who smashed his head. In a bid to avoid been beaten by the guys, Ebinabo then jumped from the 6th floor. When the other guys saw what had happened, they then threw some kitchen knives from the apartment.

No body touched Ebinabo, he jumped out of fear.

At that point i resisted those guys from taking my friend away. When police came to the scene with a guy that was kidnapped, they asked him if he knew anybody, he said no but told them he knew me. I was arrested by the police. That was how i got involved in the incident.

-Were you the only one arrested for the incident?

No. Four people were arrested including three other people of which two of them carried out the act.

-Did anyone gave evidence in court against you or any of those arrested?

Yes two people gave evidence against two of the guys arrested (Names withheld for personal reasons).

-How long did the case lasted in court?

19 Months and through out this period, i was in detention while court trials continued.

 

-When did the court found you innocent of the charges and accusation.

On Monday, July 31. They found out that i was not the one involved in the incident after checking all evidence and statements.

-Was the court able to convict the real suspects?

Yes. They sentenced two other guys to 18 years in prison each for man slaughter while i was set free.

-Do you know what really happened?

From what i know about the incident, the deceased jumped to his death out of fear for his life when some group of guys totaling about 5 or 6 came to look for him after he was accused of smashing another guy's head at a party held on Christmas eve of 2015. The fight was in no way connected to the guy who attacked someone with a bottle.

-How did you feel when photos of you went viral that you murdered someone.

I was really surprised. I was already arrested before i was told that someone died. I was still being questioned by the police for about 23 days who were also investigating the incident when news went out that i committed the crime because i was the first to be arrested.

-How were you able to communicate with your family throughout your time in detention?

I was able to communicate with my family as often as i could.

-Were you compensated in anyway after you were released?

No I wasn't compensated. My lawyer Ramadan can testify to that.

-Yes speaking of the lawyer who represented you, Ramadan Sanivar, What do you have to say about him?

I want to say a very big thank you to Ramadan, he did a lot to help get out. He trusted me and I trusted him. Trust solved our case. He is a very nice man. I want to say thank you to him.

-What is your advice to Nigerians and other foreign students out there in Cyprus?

My advice to everyone out there is to focus on what brought them here. They should also stay away from drugs, troubles and crimes.

-Now that you are out and free, how do you intend to move on and start all over again?

Definitely I am not starting all over again. I will continue from where i stop. I had so many experiences in detention which is very useful to my life. Though it's not good to go to prison but still there was a reason for being there. I have so much i was doing before i was arrested. I was into design, clothing line, event and planning, comedy/entertainment.

-We are aware that you are into entertainment and have lot of fans. Since you have been out of detention, have you been able to reconnect with your fans? What was their reaction when news broke out that you have been released.

They were very happy. I got lots of calls, well wishes and prayers from fans, family and friends. Many of them shared my pictures. I missed them so much and i know they missed me too. I'm back for good, I'm back for good.

-What should your fans expect from you?

They should expect big things from me. New design, new creativity, big comedy shows and events. I'm going to take my time to give them the best of designs and things they have not seen before.

-Thank you for your time Mr Jerry.

Thank you.

-One last word for readers out there?

(Smiles) They should know i am not a criminal. I love everybody. I want to thank God that i was vindicated.