Nigerian Man To Be Pardoned After 10 Years On Death Row for Stealing Chickens

A Nigerian man, Segun Olowookere, who has spent a decade on death row for stealing chickens and eggs, is set to receive a pardon from the governor of Osun State, located in southwestern Nigeria. His arrest and sentencing sparked widespread outrage due to the perceived severity of the punishment.

Details of the incident that led to his sentence

In 2010, when Olowookere was only 17, he and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, were apprehended for breaking into the home of a police officer and another individual. Armed with an outdated wooden gun and a sword, they left the scene with stolen poultry. The incident led to their arrest and eventual trial.

In 2014, the Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Jide Falola, sentenced the pair to death by hanging after convicting them of burglary and theft. The harsh sentence drew criticism nationwide, with many Nigerians condemning it as disproportionately severe.

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Nigerian man death — Nigerian man on death row for stealing chickens-Image Source@BBC

Following their sentencing, Olowookere and Sunday were transferred to the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos, infamous for its harsh conditions. Both men were placed in the prison’s death row wing, where they have spent the last 10 years awaiting their fate.

Governor’s Intervention

On Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke announced his decision to pardon Segun Olowookere, emphasizing the importance of preserving human life and ensuring justice. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the governor declared:

“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.”

While Olowookere’s pardon has been publicly confirmed, there was no mention of his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, in the governor’s statement. This leaves uncertainty regarding Sunday’s future and whether he will receive a similar reprieve.

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Decade-Long Fight for Justice

For years, Olowookere’s family, alongside human rights organizations, campaigned tirelessly for his release. His parents, appearing on a recent podcast, made emotional pleas for their son’s freedom, expressing their anguish over losing their only child to the justice system.

Segun Olowookere is now expected to be released in early 2025, marking the end of a decade-long ordeal. This case highlights ongoing debates about Nigeria’s justice system and the ethics of capital punishment.