Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has intervened in the case of a young man sentenced to death for stealing a fowl, calling for an investigation into the matter and requesting clemency for the convicted individual.
In a statement released on X.com on Tuesday, Adeleke expressed his concern over the reported case and directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to launch a thorough investigation.
He also instructed them to begin the process of granting the young man a prerogative of mercy.
The governor’s statement read: “I have received the report of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. I have directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy.”
Adeleke emphasized Osun State’s commitment to justice, equity, and fairness, stressing that the sanctity of life must be upheld.
He assured the public that the case was receiving his direct attention and would be handled urgently.
The case, which has sparked widespread discussion, involves a young man who was arrested in 2010 and sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 after being convicted of stealing a fowl.
The severity of the punishment has raised concerns among many who question the appropriateness of a death sentence for such a minor offense.
Commentators on social media expressed shock and disbelief at the harsh punishment. One user, #Uncle_Olu_, wrote: “Imagine a country where someone spends 14 years in jail and is sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl. Meanwhile, someone who stole over N80b was given only a N500m fine.”
Another user, #Sholisea, shared their frustration, tweeting: “Sentencing someone to death because he stole a fowl is the height of injustice in this country.”
Others pointed out that theft, unless involving aggravating factors like the use of weapons, should not be punished by death.
#TheYemiKing shared a 2014 news report, arguing, “Even if you steal ₦20 and carry a knife, it’s considered armed robbery. The judge must give a death sentence, as that’s what the law says. But why didn’t Aregbe [former governor Rauf Aregbesola] commute the sentence?”
Some legal experts also weighed in, noting that a death sentence is typically reserved for more severe crimes like armed robbery, not simple theft.
According to #egi_nupe, “No court will sentence you to death for stealing a fowl. However, if the theft involves the use of a weapon, it qualifies as armed robbery and can lead to a death sentence if proven.”
