A Nigerian man who was sentenced to death for stealing hens and eggs as a teenager has been granted pardon after spending 10 years on death row.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has announced plans to release Segun Olowookere, now 31, who was arrested at the age of 17.
Olowookere was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, in 2010 after being accused of participating in an armed robbery on a police officer’s home, during which they escaped with only poultry.
According to reports, Olowookere and Sunday have been on death row since their arrest although in 2014, a court convicted them of theft and sentenced them to death by hanging.
However, credible news sources note that the state’s justice commissioner has been directed by the governor to initiate the clemency process.
Governor Adeleke explained the importance of fairness and the sanctity of life, stating, “Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Olowookere is expected to be released by early 2025.
However, the fate of his accomplice, Sunday, remains uncertain.
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I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State to commence full investigation into the matter and…
— Gov Ademola Adeleke (@AAdeleke_01) December 17, 2024
