Update on 17-year-old Boy Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Stealing Fowl in Osun

Osogbo, Nigeria – There is an important update on the 17-year-old boy sentenced to death by hanging for stealing fowl in Osun State.

The then teenager, Segun Olowookere, would regain his freedom following the intervention of Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday, December 17.

In a statement shared by Governor Adeleke on his official X account, he directed the procession to grant prerogative mercy to the young lad.

“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 initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter,” Adeleke said.

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

Segun Olowookere Sentence

Segun Olowookere

Olowookere’s unfortunate journey began in 2014 when he was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun.

Olowookere who was at the time 17 years old and currently in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, was said to have stolen a fowl and eggs from a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin local government area of the State.

His Parents Plea

Before the second anniversary of Governor Adeleke in November, the parents of Seun Olowookere, who is now 27, pleaded with the governor to grant their son amnesty.

They also appealed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, to intervene in the matter.

Mrs Folashade Olowookere, Segun’s mother, told newsmen, “We have sold our properties to secure his release since he was convicted in 2014. He is a brilliant boy who has a brighter future ahead of him. We must not allow him to waste the peak of his life within the four walls of the prison. I want to plead with our amiable governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to please use his office to release my son.

“The speaker of the House of Assembly is from our town; we also plead for his intervention in this case. Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice should also help us. Segun has a promising future and can be useful to society.”

In his plea, Segun’s father, Mr Olanrewaju Olowookere, said his son was never involved in a crime. He claimed that his son was arrested in his shop while playing with some of his friends, saying the arrest was a setup.

“At this point, all we need is the assistance of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to grant amnesty to our son. We have been in grief since he was sentenced. We have not experienced any kind of happiness. Nobody will be happy seeing his only son in jail,” he said.

With Adeleke’s directive, one would say justice is being served but there is more to question the judicial system in Nigeria following recent happenings in the West African country.