Osun ‘boy’ sentenced to death reveals truth behind fowl theft conviction.

The story of Segun Olowookere, an only child sentenced to death in Osun State for allegedly stealing fowls, has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria. Social media buzzed with varying accounts of the events leading to his conviction, raising questions about the harshness of his punishment....CONTINUE READING>>>

Arrest and Trial

Olowookere, then 17 years old, was arrested in November 2010 alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Osun State. They were accused of robbing a police officer, Tope Balogun, of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, among other alleged crimes, including theft of mobile phones and an attempted robbery.

Despite pleading not guilty, Olowookere reportedly made a confessional statement, which he denies to this day. The police allegedly demanded ₦30,000 for his bail, but his family could only raise ₦20,000. Before they could secure his release, he and Morakinyo were transferred to SARS custody, where they were tortured and accused of armed robbery.

In December 2014, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced both men to death for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for stealing. Falola suggested the state governor could reduce the death sentence to a lesser term due to Olowookere’s age.

Olowookere Speaks

Speaking from death row, Olowookere maintains his innocence. He claims he was wrongfully implicated by younger children who were released after the arrest. He also accused the police of fabricating evidence, including presenting gardening tools he used at the station as robbery weapons.

“I never confessed to any crime. I was tortured into submission,” he said, adding that his uncle, the complainant and owner of the stolen fowls, initially agreed to drop the case but later testified against him in court.

Olowookere dreams of becoming a doctor and has been training under medical staff in the custodial center since 2017.

Mental Health of Co-Convict

Morakinyo, the second convict, reportedly suffered severe torture that led to mental illness. According to Olowookere, Morakinyo bled daily from various injuries during their detention and now does not recognize anyone.

Calls for Justice

Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation into the case and initiated steps to grant Olowookere a pardon, citing concerns over the fairness of his trial. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also criticized the trial, stating that a minor at the time of the crime should not have been tried in a regular court or sentenced to death.

Lingering Appeal

An appeal was filed in 2011 but has stalled due to financial constraints. Efforts to secure justice continue, as Olowookere and his supporters hope for a fair resolution to the case.