Nigerian seeks new trial in Japan over 2001 post‑office robbery

Japanese prosecutors disclosed a photograph that the defence says undermines a key piece of evidence used to convict a Nigerian man for a 2001 post‑office robbery in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture. The image shows the warehouse where stolen money was later recovered, but it lacks any external lock, contradicting the prosecution’s claim that the facility was locked from the outside – a factor that had supported the original conviction.

The defendant, who manages the building, filed his first request for a retrial in 2012, which was denied, and submitted a second request in 2025. His legal team argues that the new photo invalidates the prosecution’s hypothesis and warrants a new hearing.

The case highlights cross‑border legal cooperation, as the defendant is a Nigerian national facing Japanese criminal proceedings.