Nigerian Teen Set for Pardon After Decade on Death Row for Theft

After spending ten years on death row for a crime many considered excessive, Segun Olowookere is expected to be pardoned by the governor of Osun State, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over Nigeria's harsh sentencing practices.

A 17-year-old Nigerian man, Segun Olowookere, who has been on death row for a decade, is on track to receive a pardon from the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke. Olowookere, along with his accomplice Morakinyo Sunday, was arrested in 2010 for allegedly breaking into a police officer's home armed with a wooden gun and a sword, ultimately stealing hens and eggs.

In a controversial 2014 ruling issued by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court, both individuals were sentenced to death by hanging for their brazen theft of poultry and goods. This sentence sparked widespread outrage in Nigeria, with many deeming it an excessive punishment for the crime.

Recent developments have seen Governor Adeleke announce his intentions to initiate processes for Olowookere's pardon, emphasizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of life. "Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives," he wrote on social media platform X.

As of now, it remains unclear what the future holds for Morakinyo Sunday, as his name was not included in Adeleke's statement. For years, Olowookere's family and various human rights organizations have campaigned for his release, with his parents recently making emotional appeals on a podcast, urging for their son’s freedom.

If proceedings go as planned, Olowookere may be released by early 2025. Despite Nigeria having not carried out any executions since 2012, over 3,400 prisoners are still awaiting their fate on death row. The case underscores ongoing debates surrounding the Nigerian legal system and the harshness of sentencing practices in the country.