Offender at 17, Sentenced at 21, and 10 Years on Death Row: The Segun Olowokere Story – A Failure of the Child Justice System?

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk

Segun Olowokere’s life took a drastic turn when, at the age of 17, he was arrested for stealing hens and eggs from a police officer’s home in Osun State, Nigeria. Alongside his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, Olowokere was found guilty of forcefully breaking into the officer’s house and stealing his belongings.

In 2014, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced both Olowokere and Sunday to death by hanging. The harsh sentence sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many arguing that it was too severe for the crime committed.

For the past decade, Olowokere has languished on death row at the notorious Kirikiri maximum security prison in Lagos State. His parents, human rights groups, and other Nigerians have tirelessly advocated for his release.

In a recent development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that Olowokere be pardoned, citing the importance of protecting the sanctity of life. This decision marks a significant turning point in Olowokere’s long and arduous journey.

Olowokere’s case highlights the failures of Nigeria’s child justice system. As a 17-year-old, Olowokere was still a child, and his actions should have been treated as such. Instead, he was sentenced to death and has spent a decade awaiting execution.

The pardon promised by Governor Adeleke offers a glimmer of hope for Olowokere and his family. However, it also underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure that children in conflict with the law are treated with dignity and compassion.

As Olowokere awaits his release, expected early in 2025, his story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of children in Nigeria.

Read more of this story here: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/nigerian-man-promised-pardon-after-10-years-on-death-row-for-stealing-hens/

Image Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk