Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has initiated steps to investigate and potentially grant clemency to a young man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl. The governor expressed concern over the case, which has drawn widespread public criticism for the perceived severity of the punishment.
In a statement shared on X.com (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Adeleke directed the state’s attorney general and commissioner for justice to conduct a thorough investigation. He also called for the initiation of processes to exercise the prerogative of mercy for the convicted individual.
“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,” Adeleke wrote. “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.”
Public Outcry Over Severe Punishment
The case, which dates back to 2010, involved the arrest of a young man who was sentenced to death in 2014 after being convicted of stealing a fowl. While details of the trial indicate the case may have been categorized under armed robbery—possibly due to the use of a weapon—the sentencing has sparked outrage on social media, with many decrying the punishment as disproportionately harsh for the crime.
Social media users expressed their frustration with the judicial system. One commenter wrote, “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.” Another remarked, “Sentencing someone to death because he stole a fowl is the height of it in this country.”
Others pointed out that under Nigerian law, theft alone does not warrant a death sentence. However, if the theft involves the use of a weapon, it is categorized as armed robbery, which carries a mandatory death penalty upon conviction.
Questions About Judicial Processes
Critics have also raised concerns about why the recommendation for clemency, reportedly made by the presiding judge in 2014, was not acted upon by the previous administration. One user questioned, “The judge recommended that the governor can commute the death sentence. Why didn’t Aregbe [former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola] take action?”
Legal analysts have noted that this case underscores the need to revisit and reform sentencing guidelines for minor crimes, particularly where circumstances such as socioeconomic factors and proportionality of punishment come into play.
Governor’s Commitment to Justice
Governor Adeleke’s swift response reflects his commitment to upholding fairness and equity within the state’s judicial system. His decision to investigate and potentially grant clemency has been welcomed as a step toward addressing the perceived imbalance in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the application of justice in Nigeria, particularly the tension between legal mandates and societal expectations of fairness.
