Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered investigation into the case of a 17-year-old boy sentenced to death by an Osun High Court in 2010 for allegedly stealing chicken and eggs.
Adeleke’s order is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday in Osun.
The governor has also ordered the state Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, to intervene in the matter and to ensure the convict’s name is among inmates listed to be granted prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.
“I have read about the case. I recognise separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case, 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. I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention.
“A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government,” the governor was quoted as saying.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict, Segun Olowookere, was reportedly sentenced at the age of 17 in 2010 by an Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun.
He was sentenced alongside his alleged accomplices for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.
Meanwhile, in order to set the records straight, one Akinwole Olasubomi gave an insight into the crime that led to the conviction of then 17-year-old Segun Olowookere and an accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday.
According to Olasubomi, “Contrary to sensationalized reports, the conviction of Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday was not for the petty theft of a fowl, but for armed robbery and related crimes. The prosecution, led by the state Solicitor-General, Mrs. Abiola Adewemimo, presented irrefutable evidence, including eyewitness accounts and confessions from the accused.
“The case stemmed from an incident in the year 2010, when the convicts forcefully broke into the home of Mr. Balogun Tope, a police officer, armed with a cutlass and a dane gun. They carted away valuables, including livestock, and were apprehended following their involvement in similar robberies. The evidence showed a clear pattern of criminal behaviour, including their admission to robbing another individual, Alhaja Umani Oyewo, from whom they stole broilers, eggs, and kegs of vegetable oil.
“Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court, sitting in Okuku, delivered a judgment grounded in the law. The convicts were found guilty of conspiracy, robbery, and stealing, with sentences proportionate to the gravity of their crimes, death by hanging for conspiracy, in accordance with Section 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearm (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R 11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Life imprisonment for robbery. Three years’ imprisonment for stealing.
“The judge also showed humanity in his judgment, recommending that the governor may consider commuting the death sentence to a ten-year prison term, given the convicts’ ages and circumstances. This reflects a balanced application of the law, tempered with empathy, a situation we now witnessed been put into play by the Osun State government.” (NAN)
Olajide Idowu
