Osun ‘Fowl Theft’ Case: The Real Story Behind a Death Sentence

The case of Segun Olowookere, a young man sentenced to death in Osun State for what was initially reported as the theft of fowls, has captured national attention. New details reveal a more complex story behind the conviction that has spurred debates on justice and fairness in Nigeria.

Olowookere, an only child, was arrested in November 2010 at the age of 17. He was accused alongside another individual, Sunday Morakinyo, of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, among other charges. The charges escalated to include armed robbery, as they were accused of using weapons such as cutlasses and a Dane gun during the alleged crimes. Both men pleaded not guilty but were convicted and sentenced in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.

In an exclusive interview, Olowookere provided a harrowing account of his arrest, trial, and sentencing. According to him, the police named him a gang leader based on the confession of minors involved in the theft. He claimed he was tortured into making a confessional statement, which he maintains he never wrote. Despite these denials, the court convicted him and Morakinyo of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, and theft. They were sentenced to death, life imprisonment, and three years’ imprisonment, respectively. At the time of the judgement, Olowookere was 21 years old.

The young man’s ordeal was compounded by financial hardship. He revealed that his family could not meet a ₦30,000 bail demand by the police, which resulted in his prolonged detention and eventual prosecution. The poultry farm at the center of the case reportedly belonged to Olowookere’s uncle, who initially denied his involvement but later testified against him in court.

Morakinyo, the second convict, has reportedly developed severe mental health issues, allegedly stemming from torture during detention. Olowookere recounted the brutal conditions they endured, including physical abuse that left Morakinyo bleeding and unwell. Despite his deteriorating state, Morakinyo was not provided adequate medical care and is now said to be unrecognizable due to his mental condition.

The case has drawn widespread criticism, with human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, calling the death sentence illegal. He argued that since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence, his trial should have been conducted in a family court, not a high court. Falana emphasized that under Nigerian law, minors cannot be sentenced to death.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in, ordering a full investigation and initiating the process to grant Olowookere a pardon. Adeleke’s intervention followed mounting public outcry over the harshness of the sentence and allegations of judicial irregularities. Meanwhile, the trial judge, Justice Falola, has faced scrutiny for his conduct in unrelated cases and was compulsorily retired in 2023 by the National Judicial Council.

The appellate process for Olowookere’s case has been hindered by financial constraints, with his appeal still pending at the Court of Appeal in Akure. Despite the grim circumstances, Olowookere remains hopeful. While in custody, he has pursued medical training, aspiring to one day study medicine and contribute to society.