Pardon pledged for Nigerian man after decade on death row for poultry theft

The governor of Nigeria’s south-western Osun state has pledged a pardon to a Nigerian individual who has been on death row for a decade, following a conviction for the theft of hens and eggs. Segun Olowookere, then 17 years old, was apprehended in 2010 alongside his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday. Reports indicated they assaulted the residence of a police officer and an additional individual, using an antiquated wooden gun and a sword, though their only successful acquisition was the poultry. Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court, in 2014, handed down death sentences by hanging to both individuals, having found them culpable of forcibly entering the police officer’s dwelling and appropriating his possessions. The severity of the sentence sparked widespread condemnation throughout Nigeria, with many perceiving it as unduly harsh. Following their sentencing, the pair were transferred to the infamous Kirikiri maximum security prison in Lagos state, where they have since resided in the section designated for death row inmates. On Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke issued a statement instructing that Olowookere receive a pardon, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of life. “I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.” “Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” the governor further stated in a post on X. The status of Morakinyo Sunday, who received the same sentence as Olowookere, remains uncertain, as his name was absent from the official statement. For an extended period, Olowookere’s parents, along with human rights organizations and other Nigerian citizens, have advocated for his liberation. His parents recently appeared on a podcast, where they tearfully pleaded for a pardon for their sole offspring. His release is anticipated in early 2025. Although Nigeria has not conducted an execution since 2012, over 3,400 individuals are presently awaiting execution. For additional news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available for review.