Nigerians took to social media on Monday to celebrate the release of Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death in 2014 by the Osun High Court for stealing chickens. Olowookere’s release followed a pardon announced by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, responding to widespread public outrage over the case.
Background of the Case
Olowookere was arrested at the age of 17 and subsequently sentenced to death in 2014 at the age of 21, after a trial that spanned over a year. His conviction drew significant attention, with many criticizing the severity of the sentence for the crime.
The Governor’s Intervention
In response to public outcry, Governor Adeleke announced Olowookere’s pardon last Thursday, citing the need for compassion and justice. The announcement brought an end to Olowookere’s incarceration at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State.
Social Media Celebration
Actress Abiola Adebayo, whose viral video brought renewed attention to the case, shared the news of Olowookere’s release on her Instagram page. In the video, Olowookere, wearing a black top and glasses, was surrounded by family members celebrating his freedom.
“This is Segun Olowookere. We’re just leaving Kirikiri; he’s finally out of the correctional centre. Thank you so much for the love and support,” Adebayo said in the video. She described Olowookere as a “good guy” and shared testimonies from inmates who expressed sadness over his departure, further praising his character during his time in prison.
Adebayo thanked Governor Adeleke for his intervention, emphasizing the need for societal support to help Olowookere reintegrate. “We just want him to be a better person, to be useful for society, Nigeria, Africa, and the whole world,” she added.
Public Reactions
Nigerians praised both Governor Adeleke and Adebayo for their roles in securing Olowookere’s release. Social media users flooded Adebayo’s comment section with messages of gratitude and admiration.
- @dorlapoh wrote, “You are awesome. God has indeed crowned your efforts this year with great success.”
- @Salawudeen.Sukurat added, “Doctor Biola, God bless you, ma’am. You will live long to eat the fruit of your labour in Jesus’ name.”
Looking Ahead
Olowookere expressed his gratitude briefly in the video, thanking everyone for their support. Efforts are underway to help him reintegrate into society, with calls for assistance to ensure he becomes a positive influence.
His release not only highlights the power of public advocacy but also raises questions about fairness in the judicial system, underscoring the importance of proportional sentencing and rehabilitative justice. As Olowookere begins a new chapter, many hope his story will inspire reforms and promote greater empathy in Nigeria’s legal and correctional systems.
