Death sentence for chicken theft sparks legal, public controversy in Osun State

The recent death sentence by hanging handed down to Segun Olowookere has stirred controversy, with his parents, Olarewaju and Folashade, protesting the verdict.

The judgment, delivered on December 17, is being scrutinized for its perceived harshness.

On January 30, 2013, Olowookere, then 22, and 21-year-old Sunday Morakinyo appeared before Justice Sakariyah Falola at the Osun State High Court, Ikirun, facing an eight-count charge in case number HKK/2C/2012.

The charges included conspiracy, armed robbery, and theft. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Details of the Charges

According to the prosecution led by Barrister Biola Adewemimo, Olowookere and Morakinyo conspired in November 2010 to rob Oguntade Faramade of fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000 and Balogun Taye of two mobile phones.

They also allegedly attempted to rob Alhaja Umani Oyewo.

Additionally, they were accused of robbing Elizabeth Dare of a gallon of vegetable oil using cutlasses and a Dane gun and stealing N5,000, mobile phones, and fowls worth ₦30,000 from Balogun Taye. These crimes occurred in Oyan, Okuku Local Government Area, between April and November 2010.

Trial and Evidence

The prosecution presented six witnesses and 11 exhibits, including four cutlasses, a Dane gun, two DVD players, and kegs of vegetable oil.

Confessional statements from Olowookere and others involved revealed the group was initiated into robbery by one Adepoju Siju.

Olowookere, in his statement, claimed he did not actively participate in the robbery but was present when others carried out the crimes.

The defense, led by Barrister Ayo Omolosho, argued that the defendants were not caught at the crime scene and that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Judgment and Sentencing

Justice Falola convicted Olowookere and Morakinyo on charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and theft.

While dismissing some counts due to insufficient evidence, he sentenced them to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for conspiracy, and three years for theft.

In his ruling, the judge recommended that the Osun State Governor consider reducing the death sentence and life imprisonment to a 10-year term due to the convicts’ age at the time of the crime.

He also ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Morakinyo, who claimed insanity during the trial.

Governor’s Intervention and Public Reaction

Following public outrage and pleas from Olowookere’s family, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation into the case and indicated the possibility of a pardon.

However, former Oyo State Attorney-General, Mutalubi Adebayo, has warned against misrepresenting the judgment, stating, “The claim that the convict was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is misleading. The judgment was based on armed robbery, not petty theft.”

He added that while the Governor has the constitutional right to grant a pardon, investigating the judiciary’s decision would undermine its independence.

The case remains a flashpoint of public debate, balancing justice, mercy, and the judiciary’s integrity.