In a strange incident, a Nigerian who stole two chickens was pardoned after waiting 10 years for the death penalty

In an incident that has sparked widespread controversy in Nigeria and beyond, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has promised to pardon a young man who spent 10 years on death row. The young man was sentenced to death for stealing two chickens in what was described as an “armed robbery.”

In 2010, Oluwukire was 17 years old when he and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, broke into a police officer’s house. The pair used a wooden gun and a sword to break into the house, and managed to steal only two chickens. However, they were charged with armed robbery, a crime that carries the death penalty in Nigeria.

In 2014, an Osun State High Court sentenced Oluwukire and his accomplice to death by hanging, sparking widespread community outrage as the punishment was deemed cruel and disproportionate to the crime. More importantly, the court did not take into account Oluwukire’s age at the time of the crime, which contravenes the country’s Minors Protection Act.

The death penalty for armed robbery is provided for by the Penal Code, but it has been widely criticised. Many have argued that the sentence is excessive given the young age of the accused and the magnitude of the crime, which involved stealing two chickens. However, the two young men were transferred to Kirikiri High Security Prison in Lagos State, where they were placed on death row.

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

For years, Oluwukiri’s parents and human rights activists have campaigned relentlessly to have the death sentence overturned and his release. They have participated in several media and human rights events, citing the fact that Oluwukiri was a minor at the time of the crime, as well as the disproportionate nature of the sentence.

Olowokere's parents recently appeared in a moving podcast, pleading with Nigerian authorities to intervene to save their only son. The episode revealed the pain and suffering the family has endured for a decade.

Pardon the young man

In response to human rights and media pressure, the Osun State Governor announced directives to begin pardoning procedures for Oluwukiri.

“I have directed the Commissioner of Justice to commence the process of granting mercy to young Olowokiri. Osun is a land of justice and equality and we must ensure that the sanctity of lives is protected and justice is served,” Adeleke said in an official statement.

Olukiri is expected to be released early this year, marking a victory for rights efforts to have the case re-examined.

Although the authorities have not carried out any executions since 2012, 3,400 Nigerians are on death row.

Critics of the regime point to the urgent need for reform of the laws, especially those relating to minors and minor crimes. They argue that justice should focus on rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment, and that the personal and social circumstances of the accused should be taken into account.

Source: Social media