A Nigerian man who has been on death row for a decade for the theft of chickens and eggs is set to receive a pardon from the governor of Osun state in the south-western region.
Segun Olowookere was just 17 years old when he was apprehended in 2010 alongside his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday. The pair reportedly broke into the residence of a police officer and another individual armed with a makeshift wooden gun and a sword, ultimately stealing only poultry.
In 2014, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced both men to death by hanging after they were convicted of forcibly entering the police officer’s home and stealing his possessions. This ruling sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many arguing that the punishment was excessively severe.
Following their sentencing, the two were transferred to the infamous Kirikiri maximum security prison in Lagos, where they have remained in the death row section.
On Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke announced his decision to pardon Olowookere, emphasizing the importance of upholding the sanctity of life.
“I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting prerogative of mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state committed to justice and equity. We must prioritize fairness and the protection of human life,” the governor stated on X.
The situation regarding Morakinyo Sunday, who was sentenced alongside Olowookere, remains uncertain as he was not mentioned in the announcement.
For years, Olowookere’s family, along with human rights organizations and numerous Nigerians, have advocated for his release.
Recently, his parents appeared on a podcast, expressing their anguish and pleading for clemency for their only child.
He is anticipated to be released in early 2025. While Nigeria has not executed anyone since 2012, there are currently over 3,400 individuals on death row.
image source BBC News.
