Segun Olowookere, a man who had spent 14 years behind bars for stealing a chicken, is now free. Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent grant of clemency to 53 prisoners has resulted in Olowookere’s release from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, a moment that has stirred discussions on justice, compassion, and the complexities of the Nigerian legal system.
Olowookere and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, were originally sentenced to death in 2010 after an Osun State High Court convicted them of conspiracy and the theft of chickens. The pair’s harsh punishment for what many see as a petty crime was the subject of debate, and their story gained attention across Nigeria, particularly for the disproportionate nature of their sentence. As the years passed, calls for leniency grew stronger, culminating in a significant turn of events at the close of 2024.
Governor Adeleke’s clemency announcement on Christmas Eve, December 24, granted freedom to Olowookere and 52 others, sparking reactions across the state and beyond. At the heart of this release, Olowookere, now free after 14 years in prison, becomes a symbol of second chances and the state’s capacity for compassion in a penal system often criticized for its rigidity.
“It was a moment of joy and disbelief,” Olowookere recalled in a brief interaction with journalists after his release. “It feels like I’m dreaming. The 14 years were long, but now I feel a sense of hope and freedom that I’ve never felt before.”
His release follows Governor Adeleke’s order to review long-standing cases, particularly where sentences seemed excessively severe. The case of Olowookere, whose crime was deemed to be stealing a single chicken, struck many as an example of an outdated and over-punitive legal system.
A lawyer, who worked on prison reform in Osun State, commented on the matter, saying, “Justice systems around the world are evolving. Cases like Olowookere’s raise questions about proportionality and whether the punishment truly fits the crime. While the law should be upheld, there’s room for a discussion on rehabilitation over lengthy, punitive sentences.”
Olowookere’s freedom came after the formal processing of the clemency order, a step that had to be finalized at Kirikiri Maximum Prison before the release could take effect. This took several days, during which Olowookere remained in the correctional facility. During this period, Olowookere received visits from media personnel and even met with influential figures, including prominent social media influencers. His story quickly became a viral sensation, shedding light on not only the absurdity of his initial sentence but also highlighting a glimmer of hope for those in the correctional system.
Upon confirmation of the release, Governor Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Public Communication, Olusola Ajala, shared a brief statement at a public gathering, confirming Olowookere’s imminent arrival in Osun. Ajala said, “I can confirm to you all that Segun Olowookere, sentenced to death for stealing, has been released from the Kirikiri Maximum Prison. He will be in Osun State any moment from now. He may even join us at the gathering and meet with Mr. Governor. That is the level of compassion of the performing governor.”
This gesture has reignited conversations about justice reform across the country. Critics of the Nigerian judicial system often call for more comprehensive changes, arguing that the emphasis should be on rehabilitating offenders rather than serving lengthy sentences for minor crimes. Olowookere’s case is just one example, but it has reignited a national conversation about the disproportionate nature of some convictions and the possibility for compassion within a system often perceived as harsh and unforgiving.
While Olowookere has received well wishes from many upon his release, there are still those who question whether justice is being served. Supporters argue that his release is a timely move towards more humane treatment for prisoners, especially those who committed minor crimes. One social justice advocate commented, “It’s important for us to remember that while society needs to be protected, it also must be compassionate. Let’s not forget that many inmates serve time for crimes that seem trivial in hindsight.”
His release also has personal consequences. Upon hearing of his freedom, Olowookere’s family in Osun were overwhelmed with joy, marking a poignant return to their lives after over a decade. Olowookere plans to visit his hometown soon, to reunite with his family and to reflect on his journey after prison.
However, the clemency granted to Olowookere extends beyond his personal journey. It speaks to a broader trend in the Nigerian legal landscape, one that is increasingly considering alternatives to harsh punishments. Whether or not this case will lead to systemic changes in the treatment of prisoners remains to be seen. But in a country with one of the highest incarceration rates in Africa, stories like Olowookere’s highlight the importance of continuous reforms in the system.
This clemency is particularly symbolic as it coincides with the holiday season, an event often associated with forgiveness and second chances. As his release brought joy to his supporters, it also raised critical discussions about the nature of justice in a complex society. Critics hope that Governor Adeleke’s compassionate decision will inspire similar acts of leniency and systemic reform across the nation’s prisons.
For now, Segun Olowookere is free, after years of unimaginable hardship. His story reflects both the cruelty and compassion present within Nigeria’s legal and penal systems, posing crucial questions about the balance between justice and mercy.
