Nigerian Man Pardoned After 10 Years on Death Row for Stealing Poultry

Taylor Brooks

Taylor Brooks

December 18, 2024 · 3 min read
Nigerian Man Pardoned After 10 Years on Death Row for Stealing Poultry

In a remarkable turn of events, Segun Olowookere, a Nigerian man who was sentenced to death for stealing poultry in Osun state, has been granted a pardon after spending 10 years in prison. The decision was made by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who ordered the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant Olowookere the prerogative of mercy.

Olowookere was arrested in 2010 at the age of 17, along with his accomplice Morakinyo Sunday, for breaking into a policeman's home and stealing hens and eggs. In 2014, the Osun State High Court's Justice Jide Falola found the two guilty of forceful entry and stealing, and sentenced them to death by hanging. The harsh sentencing sparked widespread outrage in Nigeria, with many calling for a more lenient punishment.

Both convicts were then sent to the death row ward of the Kirikiri high-security prison in Lagos state. However, Olowookere's parents, human rights groups, and other Nigerians have been advocating for a lighter punishment since his imprisonment. His parents recently appeared on a podcast, pleading for their son's release and highlighting his potential to contribute positively to society.

Governor Adeleke's decision to pardon Olowookere is seen as a crucial step towards preserving life and ensuring fairness and justice. In a statement, the governor emphasized the importance of protecting the sanctity of lives, saying, "Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives."

According to the BBC, there are currently 3,400 inmates on death row in Nigeria, despite the country not having carried out any criminal executions in the last 12 years. The fate of Olowookere's accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, remains uncertain, as he was not included in the governor's statement.

This development highlights the need for reform in Nigeria's justice system, particularly when it comes to the treatment of minors and the application of the death penalty. It also underscores the importance of advocacy and public pressure in shaping policy decisions and promoting justice.

As Olowookere begins a new chapter in his life, his story serves as a reminder of the need for compassion, mercy, and fairness in the administration of justice. It is hoped that his pardon will pave the way for similar reviews of other cases and contribute to a more humane and just society in Nigeria.

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