Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has pardoned Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death for stealing a chicken and eggs in Osun State 10 years ago.
The severity of this punishment for what many perceive as a minor offense has sparked public outcry and raises critical questions about the judicial system’s approach to petty crime and highlights the need for reforms.
Many X users in reacting to the development, expressed disbelief over the ruling, pointing out the double standards that seem to permeate the country’s judicial system.
Other X users on their handles commended Gov. Adeleke for his action in freeing the man but demanded that the judge who handed down the judgement be investigated.
@Olubanki said: “Dear Governor Adeleke, thank you for your interest in this matter. It is appalling that a judge/magistrate could give such ruling on such offence.
“However, it will be appreciated if you could go the extra mile by recommending to the Nigeria Judicial Council to investigate the magistrate/judge who pronounced such verdict and also review all concluded cases in his/her name.
“Some people may have been killed or languishing in jail for some mere trivial offences”.
This sentiment was echoed by others, who noted the absurdity of a death sentence for a petty theft compared to the lack of accountability for those who have allegedly orchestrated large-scale financial crimes.
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@Reeloog stated that “this has to be a miscarriage of justice in this century. How do you even sentence a person to death for stealing a chicken that is less than £2.30 and grant another one who stole 🇳🇬110bn bail of 500m. We need to fix the judiciary.”
@IanlmAbiodunAA reacted by saying “what’s happening in this country? Death by hanging for someone that stole a fowl that’s worth less than N15 but the person that allegedly diverted funds and built over 700 duplexes didn’t even get their name mentioned! Not to talk of any sentence at all. Omo there’s fire on the mountain o.”
@Buzoor said: “This is terribly sad to hear that a man is about to die because he stole a chicken. If you check very well it will shock you to see that the person he stole from is a wealthy person that might have manipulated the court to get this judgment. God forbid”.
@Umanau bemused by the judgement said: “How can a judge sentence someone to death for stealing a fowl? Is the judge OK? What had the judiciary done to other political elites stealing billions like Yahaya Bello and Emefiele, have they killed them in detention! No wonder Dele Farotimi wrote that kind of book about them”.
Olowookere’s conviction stems from an incident involving the allegation that he stole a fowl and eggs from a poultry farm in Oyan, Osun State over 10 years ago.
