The family of Sunday Morakinyo, recently pardoned by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that he returned home suffering from a mental disorder, which they allege developed due to severe torture during his incarceration.
Morakinyo was arrested in November 2010 for allegedly stealing fowls and eggs in Oyan, Osun State. He and his co-accused, Segun Olowookere, were convicted and sentenced to death by the Osun State High Court in December 2014 on charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, and stealing. Following public outcry, both men were pardoned by Governor Adeleke last week.
Upon his release, Morakinyo’s family observed significant changes in his mental health. His uncle, Ojo Olaide, stated that prior to his arrest, Morakinyo was mentally stable and lived peacefully with his grandmother. Olaide refuted claims that Morakinyo had any pre-existing mental health issues, attributing his current condition to the alleged torture he endured at the Okuku Police Division.
Olowookere, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, corroborated these claims, asserting that the torture they faced during detention led to Morakinyo’s mental deterioration. He mentioned that while in the Ilesa Correctional Centre, Morakinyo exhibited signs of mental illness, such as tearing his clothes and failing to recognize visitors.
The family is now appealing to the government and well-meaning individuals for assistance in addressing Morakinyo’s mental health challenges, emphasizing that he was in good health before his arrest and subsequent conviction.
This case highlights concerns about the treatment of detainees and the potential long-term psychological effects of alleged torture within the Nigerian criminal justice system.
