Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an immediate investigation and pardoning process for Segun Olowookere, a young man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl.
The case has drawn significant attention after Olowookere’s parents spoke out about the injustice their son has endured for over 14 years.
According to Olowookere’s father, Olanrewaju, police officers arrested his then 17-year-old son under dubious circumstances.
Olanrewaju revealed that the arrest stemmed from accusations made by students at his son’s school.
“Segun does not eat chicken because I trained broilers,” he said, adding that his son had refused to flee, insisting on his innocence.
During an interview with actress Biola Adebayo, Olanrewaju disclosed that a divisional police officer (DPO) demanded N30,000 for his son’s release.
However, after managing to raise only N20,000, the DPO refused to accept the sum, leading to Segun’s continued detention.
Folashade Olowookere, Segun’s mother, shared the emotional toll of her son’s prolonged imprisonment.
“He has now spent over 14 years in prison for an offence he did not commit,” she said.
In response to the case, Governor Adeleke on Wednesday directed the attorney-general and commissioner for justice to launch a full investigation.
“I have received the report of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl,” Adeleke said in a statement.
“I have directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant the prerogative of mercy to the young man.”
The governor assured the public that the case is being treated with urgency. “Osun is a land of justice and equity, and we must ensure fairness and protect the sanctity of lives,” Adeleke stated.