Adeleke Pardons Osun Resident Sentenced to Death for Chicken Theft

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has granted a pardon to Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death by hanging in 2010 for stealing a chicken and eggs. The decision was announced as part of a clemency package that included pardons for 53 convicts, including Olowookere and his co-defendant, Sunday Morakinyo.

Olowookere’s case recently gained widespread attention following a public outcry triggered by an interview with his parents. In the interview, conducted by Nigerian actress Biola Adebayo, the parents recounted their son’s ordeal, claiming he was wrongfully accused. Olanrewaju, Olowookere’s father, alleged that officers from the Osun State Police Command demanded N30,000 for his son’s release, but he could only afford N20,000 at the time.

The emotional appeal led Governor Adeleke to order a thorough investigation into the matter. He directed the attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Osun to conduct a detailed probe, which culminated in the pardon.