Segun Olowookere, a Nigerian man who has spent 13 years on death row for stealing poultry, is finally on the verge of freedom. Arrested in 2010 at the age of 17, 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 alleged haul? A few hens and eggs.
In 2014, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced the duo to death by hanging—a decision widely criticized for its disproportionality. Across Nigeria, many condemned the judgment as excessively harsh for such a minor offense. Following their conviction, both men were transferred to Lagos State’s notorious Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, where they have remained for over a decade.
Olowookere’s parents have consistently proclaimed his innocence, claiming he was wrongfully arrested. His father, Olanrewaju, revealed that the police demanded N30,000 for his release—a sum the family could not afford, leaving the teenager to face the full weight of the law. “He didn’t even eat chicken,” his parents insisted in a recent interview, underscoring his alleged lack of involvement in the crime.
Relentless efforts by his family, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens eventually drew attention to Olowookere’s plight. A heartfelt appeal by his parents on a popular podcast recently reached Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. Moved by the case, the governor announced on Tuesday that he would exercise his prerogative of mercy, instructing the state’s Commissioner for Justice to initiate the process for Olowookere’s release.
“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 regain his freedom in early 2025. However, questions linger about the fate of his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, whose name was conspicuously absent from the governor’s statement.
The decision has reignited discussions about the flaws in Nigeria’s justice system, particularly its handling of minor offenses and the disproportionate punishments often meted out.
As this story develops, stay tuned for more updates. Governor Adeleke’s full statement can be found below.
