The Osun State Government has stepped in to rescued a 17-year-old boy who was sentenced to death for stealing a chicken.
Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun ordered investigation into the case of a boy sentenced to death by an Osun High Court in 2010 for allegedly stealing chicken and eggs.
Adeleke’s directive was announced in a statement released through his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday in Osun State.
The governor has also ordered the state Attorney General, Mr. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, to intervene in the matter and to ensure the convict’s name was among inmates listed to be granted prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.
“I have read about the case. I recognize separation of powers in our democracy.
” In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.
“I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention.
“A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government,” the governor was quoted as saying.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict (Segun Olowookere) was reportedly sentenced at the age of 17, in 2010, by an Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun.
He was sentenced alongside his alleged accomplices for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun
