Ex-Convict Pardoned by Governor Adeleke Commits Crime, Returns to Prison Eight Days Later

A former inmate, Sunday Omisakin, who was recently granted pardon by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Facility just eight days after his release. Omisakin, listed as number eight on the governor’s prerogative of mercy list signed on December 26, 2024, was freed after serving time for what was described as a minor offence.

However, on January 3, 2025, he was arrested in Osogbo for allegedly breaking into a residence and stealing a plasma television valued at N600,000. He was subsequently arraigned before the Osun State Magistrate Court in Osogbo on charges of burglary and theft.

Police prosecutor Inspector Kayode Adeoye told the court that Omisakin broke into the house of one Shittu Damilare at Al-Medinat Area, Iludun, Osogbo, around noon on the day of the incident. The prosecution argued that the crime was in violation of sections 411(1)(2), 363, and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

Omisakin pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his counsel, Najite Okobe, appealed for bail under liberal conditions. The prosecutor opposed the request, citing the fact that Omisakin had recently been pardoned and had not completed his original sentence before his release.

Presiding Magistrate Adekanmi Adeyeba denied bail and ordered that the accused be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Facility. The case was adjourned to February 2025 for hearing.