Nigerian Man on Death Row for Stealing Hens and Eggs to Receive Pardon After 13 Years

Segun Olowookere, a Nigerian man who has spent 13 years on death row for stealing poultry, is finally set to regain his freedom. Arrested in 2010 at just 17 years old, Olowookere and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, were accused of breaking into the homes of a police officer and another individual, armed with a wooden gun and a sword. Their loot? A few hens and eggs.

In 2014, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced the pair to death by hanging, a decision that sparked widespread condemnation for its severity. Critics across Nigeria argued the punishment was excessively harsh, given the nature of the crime. Following their conviction, the duo was transferred to Lagos State’s infamous Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, where they have remained ever since.

Olowookere’s parents have long maintained his innocence, claiming he was wrongfully accused and arrested. His father, Olanrewaju, revealed that the police demanded N30,000 for his release, but their inability to pay the full amount left Segun behind bars. “He didn’t even eat chicken,” his parents stressed in a recent interview, emphasizing their son’s lack of involvement in the alleged theft.

Relentless advocacy from his family, human rights groups, and concerned Nigerians brought the case into the spotlight. An emotional plea by Olowookere’s parents on a popular podcast recently caught the attention of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. On Tuesday, the governor announced his decision to grant Olowookere a prerogative of mercy, directing the state’s Commissioner for Justice to begin the process.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protect the sanctity of lives,” Governor Adeleke wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Olowookere is now expected to walk free in early 2025. However, uncertainty remains about the fate of his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, whose name was notably absent from the governor’s statement.

This decision has reignited debates over Nigeria’s justice system and the need for reform in handling cases of minor offenses.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds. See the governor’s full statement below.

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