Emmanuel OchayiThe sentencing of a young man to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State has sparked outrage among Nigerians. Many have taken to the social media to express their disbelief, calling for judicial reforms and questioning the fairness of the country’s justice system.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has stepped in to address the situation. On Tuesday, he announced via X.com (formerly Twitter) that he had directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to investigate the case and initiate a process for the young man’s prerogative of mercy.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe assured the public that the case was being handled with urgency, stating that Osun State is committed to justice and fairness. “Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” he added.
Public Outrage Over Death By Hanging For Stealing Fowl
The case, which dates back to 2010, saw the young man arrested and later sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 after being convicted of stealing a fowl. Nigerians have expressed shock and disbelief over the severity of the punishment, with many taking to social media to criticise the decision.
On X.com, several users voiced their concerns. #Uncle_Olu_ commented, “Imagine a country where someone spent 14 years in jail and was sentenced to death by hanging because he stole fowl. Fowl… but someone who stole over N80b was just given a N500m fine.”
Another user, #Sholisea, described the sentencing as “the height of it in this country,” questioning the principles of justice in Nigeria.
Legal Clarifications On Death Sentences For Theft
Legal analysts have noted that theft alone does not typically warrant a death sentence unless certain conditions are met. Some commentators pointed out that the death sentence in the fowl theft case may have been linked to armed robbery laws.
A user, #TheYemiKing, shared a 2014 report on the case, explaining, “Even if you steal ₦20 and you carry a knife, it’s armed robbery. The judge must give a death sentence, as that’s what the law says. But the judge recommended that the governor can commute the death sentence. Why didn’t Aregbe?”
READ ALSO: Death By Hanging For Stealing Fowl: Gov. Adeleke Orders Pardon For Victim After 14years In Jail
Another user, #egi_nupe, added, “No court will sentence you to death for stealing a fowl. Stealing is not a death sentence. However, if the man is armed with either a knife, gun, iron rod, machete, or machete while stealing, that’s armed robbery, and it’s a death sentence if found guilty.”
Social Media Reactions Call For Justice Reform
Reactions from X.com have been intense, with many calling for a review of Nigeria’s justice system. Ambassador@Surv_Emma questioned the mental state of some judges, stating, “Some judges need psychiatric clearance. The judge will definitely be from certain tribes. Guess the tribe.”
Omiachi J | CLONE @krativity drew a comparison with high-profile corruption cases, stating, “A judge just granted Yahaya Bello bail of 500 million naira for allegedly stealing 80 billion naira. The young man in Osun could have been pardoned if he had stolen the entire poultry.”
BroDan Oyiri @DanielOyiriaru demanded more transparency in the judicial process, saying, “Please can somebody find out and produce the name and the face of the particular judge. I still can’t believe this is true.”
Governor’s Commitment To Justice Reform
Governor Adeleke’s intervention has been met with widespread support. His call for an investigation and the possible granting of prerogative of mercy has been viewed as a step in the right direction. Legal experts have called for the review of sentencing guidelines in Nigeria’s justice system to ensure fair and proportional punishment for offenses.
Dr. Dípò Awójídé, stated on X.com, “Shameful in a country where politicians who steal N100 billion escape justice. Further exposes the rot and the need for reforms!”
As the case continues to generate public debate, Governor Adeleke’s pledge to ensure justice has been widely welcomed. Many Nigerians are now waiting to see if the young man’s sentence will be commuted and if broader justice reforms will be initiated in Osun State.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
