Governor Adeleke stated, “I have received the report of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney General to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.”
The governor assured the public that the matter is receiving his urgent attention, emphasizing that Osun State upholds justice, equity, and the sanctity of life.
The case, dating back to 2010, involves a man who was arrested and later sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 after being convicted of stealing a fowl. The ruling has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the proportionality of the punishment for what is widely considered a minor offense.
Social media reactions have highlighted the disparity in Nigeria’s justice system. Commenters contrasted the case with others involving individuals convicted of large-scale corruption who received relatively lenient penalties.
One user, #Uncle_Olu, wrote, “Imagine a country where someone spent 14 years in jail and was sentenced to death by hanging because he stole fowl. But someone who stole over ₦80 billion was given just a ₦500 million fine.”
Other commentators pointed out that a theft charge does not typically warrant a death sentence unless it involves elements of armed robbery. #TheYemiKing shared, “Even if you steal ₦20 and carry a knife, it’s armed robbery. The judge must give a death sentence as per the law. But the judge recommended that the governor could commute the sentence. Why didn’t Aregbe [former governor] act on it?”
Governor Adeleke’s intervention has been widely welcomed as a step toward addressing perceived inequities in the justice system, as the case continues to raise broader questions about legal reforms and sentencing practices in Nigeria.
