x

Osun Governor Orders Investigation, Clemency for Man Sentenced to Death for Stealing Fowl

By Abigail Philip David

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed concern over reports of a young man sentenced to death for stealing a fowl in the state.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the governor directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to conduct a full investigation into the case and begin the process of granting the man a prerogative of mercy.

Adeleke wrote: *“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 a 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.”

The case, which has garnered widespread public attention, reportedly involves a young man arrested in 2010 and sentenced to death in 2014 after being convicted of stealing a fowl. Many Nigerians have questioned the severity of the punishment for what they see as a minor offense.

On social media, users criticized the justice system, contrasting the case with others involving more significant crimes.

User #Uncle_Olu commented: *“Imagine a country where someone spent 14 years in jail and was sentenced to death by hanging because he stole a fowl. But someone who stole over ₦80 billion was just given a ₦500 million fine.”*

Similarly, #Sholisea wrote: *“Sentencing someone to death because he stole a fowl is the height of injustice in this country.”*

Others pointed out that theft alone does not warrant a death sentence unless classified as armed robbery, which involves the use of weapons.

Referring to a 2014 news report on the case, #TheYemiKing explained: *“Even if you steal ₦20 and carry a knife, it’s armed robbery. The judge must give a death sentence, as the law requires. But the judge also recommended that the governor could commute the sentence. Why didn’t Aregbe (former Governor Rauf Aregbesola) act on it?”*

User #egi_nupe added: “No court will sentence you to death for merely stealing a fowl. If the theft involved a weapon, it becomes armed robbery, which is punishable by death if found guilty.”

Governor Adeleke’s intervention has been widely welcomed, with many hoping the case will lead to reforms in the application of justice for minor offenses.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

A’Ibom Lawmaker, Edidem, lauds Tinubu over Akpabio’s SSDC appointment

By Ogenyi OgenyiDeputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom Assembly,...

Dr. Uduak Silas Obot Laid to Rest in His Country Home

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaThe remains of Dr. Uduak Silas Obot,...

Bayelsa Governor Lauds Security Agencies for Synergy

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaBayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has...

Bayelsa Cult Attack Claims Two Lives

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaTwo Niger Delta University graduates were brutally...

B’Haram: Zulum approves 35 patrol vehicles, motorcycles for Borno community

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaBorno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum,...

Adulterated soya beans oil producing factory discover in Kaduna

By Achadu Gabriel, kadunaApparently owing to severity of hardship...

Judge Faces Compulsory Retirement for Misconduct in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaAn area court Judge, Alemeru Adekunle...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img