A legal practitioner on social media @SFC_BOSS cautioned the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke not to be emotionally attached to the death sentencing of a chicken thieve given by High Court judge.
Recall that Governor Adeleke has directed immediate investigation and pardoning action on the case of a young man (Olowookere Segun) reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in the state for stealing a fowl.
Adeleke in a statement on Tuesday had twitted on X stating: “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 initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”
However @SFC_BOSS called the governor to tread with caution and not to be carried away by part information and sentimentality, given that Olowookere was sentenced by a Judge and that there was more to the case than the fowl that was reportedly stolen.
The legal practitioner post read: “Apparently, they robbed 7 houses with dane gun and cutlass. The last house they robbed was the house of a police officer that was able to overpower them.
“The high court sentenced them, it was appealed and the appeal court upheld the decision of the high court
“The governor should consult his attorney general before he gets emotional over the matter.” He warned.
Furthermore, Hon. Justice S.O. Falola, the presiding judge clarified the air after so much outrage from Nigerians over what was perceived as unjustified sentences, stated that the conviction was for armed robbery and not chicken theft.
Hon. Falola disclosed that Olowookere was part of a notorious gang that carried out violent home invasions, robbed residents and shot a poultry owner.
In his words: “they were not just stealing fowls, these gangs was armed with guns and other dangerous weapons robbing homes and causing significant harms, they were a menace to society.”
He enlightened that the court’s decision to sentenced Olowookere and his click to death followed legal procedures.
The court specifically recommended that the governor consider commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment, this is a constitutional prerogative of the governor not the court.” The judge stated.
Justice Falola described media information about the case as “skewed narrative” in order to gain sympathy for the case and framing it as mere thievery.
He added that: “There is no sentiment in law, there is not a case of simple stealing the offenders used fire arms, which escalates the severity of the crime under law.”
He urged the public to trust the legal process, encouraged citizens to focus on facts and not sensationalized reports from the media.

By Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth