Nigerians were stunned on Tuesday as social media was awash with reports of Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death in Osun State for allegedly stealing a fowl.
There were various versions of what transpired and why the convict received what many considered a harsh punishment.
Our correspondent, who has been following the matter since Olowookere was detained in 2010, noted that the complainant was a family member of the convict.
Olowookere was arrested when he was just 17 years old. In an exclusive interview, he explained the actual circumstances surrounding his sentencing.
The Facts
Olowookere and another convict, Sunday Morakinyo, were arrested in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, in November 2010. They were accused of robbing a policeman, Tope Balogun, attached to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Okuku, of two fowls and eggs.
On January 30, 2013, they were arraigned before Justice Jide Falola of the State High Court in Ikirun for robbery and stealing.
The prosecution alleged that Olowookere and Morakinyo conspired to rob one Oguntade Faramade of fowls and eggs worth N20,000 in November 2010. They were also accused of robbing Balogun Taye of two mobile phones and attempting to rob Alhaja Umani Oyewo in her house.
The charge sheet claimed the convicts were armed with cutlasses and a Dane gun to rob Elizabeth Dare of a gallon of vegetable oil.
Both Olowookere and Morakinyo pleaded not guilty, but the prosecution argued that Olowookere had made a confessional statement admitting to the crime.
State counsel Biola Adewemimo presented six witnesses, including Alhaja Oyewo, Elizabeth Dare, Oguntade Faramade, and three policemen. Olowookere’s lawyer, Ayo Omolesho, maintained that the case was not proven beyond reasonable doubt, arguing that Olowookere was not arrested at the crime scene.
Justice Falola convicted and sentenced Olowookere and Morakinyo to death (for conspiracy to commit armed robbery), life imprisonment (for robbery), and three years imprisonment (for stealing) on December 17, 2014. By the time of the judgment, Olowookere was 21 years old.
The judge, however, recommended that the state governor could commute the death sentence to 10 years imprisonment, considering the age of the convicts.
Olowookere’s Account
Speaking from death row, Olowookere revealed that the police would have released him had his parents raised the N30,000 demanded for bail on time.
He recounted:
“I was at my father’s shop in Oyan after returning from school. My dad and I were discussing my university admission when we heard gunshots. Everyone ran except my dad. The police asked my father where I was. My father shouted for me to run, but I came out to meet them.”
At the police station, Olowookere said the DPO accused him of being the gang leader of some children who allegedly stole broilers and eggs. He denied the allegations but claimed he was tortured into submission.
“They gave me and Morakinyo cutlasses to cut grass at the station. Those cutlasses were later presented as exhibits in court, claiming we were armed robbers,” he said.
Olowookere also alleged that his uncle, who owned the poultry farm, initially planned to drop the charges but later testified against him in court.
Mental Health Concerns
Olowookere disclosed that his co-convict, Morakinyo, developed mental health issues due to police torture.
“He bled from the ears, nose, and head due to torture. His condition worsened, and he no longer recognises anyone. His mother no longer visits him,” he said.
Dreams of Freedom
Olowookere expressed his hope of becoming a doctor and working with medical practitioners in prison to pursue his dream.
“I believe I will be free one day to prove my innocence. I am not a criminal,” he added.
Governor Adeleke’s Intervention
Reacting to the case, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the state Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, to initiate a review and grant Olowookere a prerogative of mercy.
Adeleke stated:
“Osun is a land of justice and equity. This matter is receiving my direct attention with urgency.”
Legal Experts Weigh In
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana faulted the sentence, noting that the high court lacked jurisdiction since Olowookere was a minor when the crime occurred.
Falana argued:
“Children cannot be sentenced to death under Nigerian law. The trial, conviction, and sentencing of Olowookere are illegal.”
Final Remarks
While opinions differ, the case has sparked widespread debate about the fairness of the Nigerian justice system, particularly for minors. Governor Adeleke’s intervention may offer a second chance for Olowookere.
