Can anyone ever get the death penalty for stealing a chicken? This cannot even be imagined in Indian law, but such a shocking incident happened in Nigeria, which shocked the whole world.
In Osun State of Nigeria, a young man was given death sentence for stealing a chicken at the age of just 17. The incident raised questions about human rights and the justice system not only in Nigeria but also internationally. This case is almost ten years old, but now, after a long struggle, the young man seems to be getting relief.
Background of the incident
The incident dates back to 2010, when a 17-year-old youth named Segun Olowukere and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, attempted to rob the house of a police officer in Osun State. Both the youths had entered the house carrying old-fashioned wooden guns and swords. Although they intended to commit a major robbery, in the end they only succeeded in stealing chickens. This incident became a burning issue not only for the local police but for the entire country.
After the arrest of the two, Nigeria’s judicial system announced strict punishment on this case. In 2014, the Osun High Court convicted Olowukere and Sunday of breaking into a police officer’s house and committing theft and sentenced them to death. This decision caused uproar throughout Nigeria. People started raising their voice against this harsh punishment, saying that such a harsh punishment for such a minor incident is disproportionate.
Death penalty debate and humanitarian perspective
This decision was followed by widespread protests in Nigeria. Many human rights organizations and civil society people stood up against this punishment. He believed that giving the death penalty to a young man for stealing a chicken was excessively harsh, and that it violated human rights. Is it fair to ruin the future of a 17 year old boy and give him death sentence? This question started arising in the minds of many people.
The death penalty is a serious matter in Nigeria, and no one had been executed since 2012. However, there are 3,400 such prisoners in the country who have been sentenced to death. This harsh punishment was met with protest not only in Nigeria, but around the world. Many people believed that despite being a juvenile in this incident, giving such a harsh punishment did not match the principles of justice.
Mother’s struggle and hope for justice
Olowukere’s parents did everything possible to save their son. He kept pleading for relief from the government and the judiciary. Recently, Olowukere’s parents appeared on a podcast, where they tearfully appealed for their son’s forgiveness. His mercy petition paid off, and now Nigeria’s Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced that he will initiate the process to pardon Olowukere. The Governor wrote on Twitter that protecting life is most important and he hopes that this decision will provide justice.
He also said Olowukere should be forgiven, because this state is a land of “justice and equality”, and we must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of life. This decision of the Governor has given new hope to Olowukere’s family.
Death penalty and law in Nigeria
Capital punishment is an extremely sensitive and controversial issue in Nigeria. Many people in the country are sentenced to death, but the sentence is not implemented in most of the cases. Over the past decade, there has been ongoing controversy over capital punishment in Nigeria. No executions have been carried out since 2012, however, there are still 3,400 people facing death row. In view of this situation, the Nigerian government has decided to bring changes in the implementation of capital punishment.
Olowukere’s future
Now, this whole issue is sparking some optimism about Olowukere’s future. It is possible that he may be released as early as 2025. This may be due to his mother’s continued struggle and the Governor’s decision to grant amnesty. However, Morakinyo Sunday’s status in this matter is unclear, and no official information has been revealed about him.
This case not only raises questions about Nigeria’s justice system, but it also makes us wonder whether harsh punishments for minor crimes are justified. Nothing has yet been decided about the justice process and its future in Olowukere’s case, but this incident shows how important it is to protect human rights and the principles of justice.
After this case, discussion and debate regarding death penalty and justice system will continue in Nigeria. This entire incident has proved that under the rule of law, humanitarian approach and fairness should be given priority while determining any punishment.
