Outcry As Osun Court Sentences Man To Death For Stealing Chicken

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the pardoning of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in the state for stealing fowl.

Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, ordered the attorney general to intervene in the matter and ensure the young man is listed for the prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” Adeleke said.

He assured the public that the matter will receive his direct attention, adding that “a sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government.”

Meanwhile, netizens have continued to express disappointment at the court decision.

Some of the X users said, the court’s ruling undermine public trust in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

Some of the tweets read below:

@OgbeniDipo Shameful in a country where politicians who steal N100 billion escape justice. Further exposes the rot and the need for reforms!

@Adekunleoderind Thank God the Governor listened to the outcry of the parents and man in prison for 14 years sentenced to death for stealing fowl. Yet the man while in prison studied medicine and passed, hopefully he will get a job after his amnesty. Nigeria And Its Criminal Justice System

Adnaira[N]x
@Olubanki Dear Governor Adeleke, thank you for your interest in this matter. It is appalling that a Judge/Magistrate could give such ruling on such offence.
However, it will be appreciated if you could go extra mile by recommending to the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the magistrate/Judge who pronounced such verdict and also review all concluded cases in his/her name. Some people may have been killed or languishing in jail for some mere trivial offences.

@Uncle_Olu_ Imagine a country where someone spent 14 years in jail and sentenced to death by hanging because he stole fowl. FOWL.. but someone who stole over N80b was just given N500m fine..

@iamAbiodunAA What’s happening in this country sef ? ‍♂️ Death by hanging for someone that stole fowl that’s worth less than 15k naira but the person that allegedly diverted funds and built over 700 duplexes didn’t even get their name mentioned! Not to talk of any sentence at all. Omo there’s fire on the mountain o.