December 18, 2024
By Ayinde Adeleke
A young medical graduate was sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl.
However, with timely intervention of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the young man’s life may be spared.
The Governor has directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to initiate a full investigation into the matter and grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that “Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives”.
This incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the proportionality of the sentence.
As Governor Adeleke noted, “I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter”.
The case has also highlighted the need for reform in Nigeria’s justice system.
The young man’s sentence is a stark contrast to the leniency shown to high-profile individuals accused of corruption and other serious crimes.
Governor Adeleke’s intervention is a welcome development, and it is hoped that the young man will receive a fair hearing and a more proportionate sentence. As the Governor stated,
“I have directed the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man”.
The community is demanding an investigation into the judge or magistrate who handed down the death sentence to a young medical graduate for stealing a fowl.
Many are questioning the proportionality of the sentence and calling for a review of all cases handled by the judge.
There is growing concern that this may not be an isolated incident, and that others may have been wrongly sentenced or are languishing in jail for minor offenses. The community is urging the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the matter and review all concluded cases involving the judge.
