A Nigerian man who spent 10 years on death row for stealing several chickens and eggs has been promised clemency by the governor of the southwestern state of Osun.
Segun Olowukere was 17 years old in 2010 when he was arrested along with his accomplice Morakinyo Sunday.
They allegedly attacked the home of a policeman and another man with an old-fashioned wooden gun and a sword, but escaped with only the poultry.
In 2014 Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced the two to death by hanging after finding them guilty of forcing their way into the policeman’s house and stealing his belongings.
There were protests in Nigeria at the time as many felt the sentence was too harsh.
The duo were subsequently moved to the notorious Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State where they were housed in the death row.
In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered that Olowukere be pardoned as it is important to protect the sanctity of life.
“I have ordered the Justice Commissioner to initiate processes to grant the prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equality. We must ensure justice and protect the sanctity of life,” the X governor posted.
The fate of Morakinyo Sunday, who was convicted alongside Olowukere, is unclear as his name was not mentioned in the statement.
For years, Olowookere’s parents, human rights groups and other Nigerians have been fighting for his release.
His parents were recently on a podcast crying and begging for mercy for their only child.
He is expected to be released in early 2025.
Nigeria has not carried out an execution since 2012, but currently has more than 3,400 people on death row.
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2024-12-18 10:11:10