A Nigerian man sentenced to death in Osun State has promised a pardon

A Nigerian man who spent 10 years on death row for stealing chickens and eggs has been promised clemency by the governor of the southwestern state of Osun.

Segun Olowuker was 17 years old in 2010 when he was arrested with his accomplice Marakinho Sunday.

They are said to have attacked the home of a policeman and another man with an old-fashioned wooden gun and a sword, only to get away with a bird.

In 2014, Justice Jide Falola of an Osun State High Court sentenced them to death by hanging after finding them guilty of breaking into a policeman’s house and stealing his belongings.

At the time, there was an outcry across Nigeria, as many felt the sentence was too harsh.

The duo were subsequently transferred to the notorious Kirikiri maximum security prison in Lagos State where they were kept on death row.

In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered that Olowukere be pardoned as it is important to protect the sanctity of life.

“I have instructed the commissioner of justice to start proceedings on granting the prerogative of mercy to the young man.

“Osun is a land of justice and fairness. We must ensure justice and protect the sanctity of life,” the governor wrote on X.

The fate of Maraquinho Sunday, who was convicted alongside Olawuker, is unclear as his name was not mentioned in the statement.

Over the years, Olowookere’s parents, human rights groups and other Nigerians have fought for his release.

His parents were recently on a podcast where they cried and begged for mercy on their only child.

It is expected to be released in early 2025.

Nigeria has not carried out executions since 2012, but currently has more than 3,400 people on death row.