Convict Caught Breaking into a Home in Osogbo

Convict Caught Breaking into a Home in Osogbo

A man identified as Sunday Omisakin, who was among the ex-convicts recently granted state pardon by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre for a fresh crime. Omisakin, who had been pardoned on December 24, 2024, returned to criminal activities just days after his release.

Omisakin was arraigned before a Chief Magistrates Court in Osogbo for allegedly breaking into a home in the Inudun Area, Osogbo, and stealing a plasma television worth ₦600,000 on January 3, 2025.

Background: A State Pardon Gone Wrong

Omisakin was among eight individuals granted state pardon by Governor Adeleke, a list that included those convicted for various offences, including simple misdemeanors and capital crimes. Omisakin’s pardon coincided with those of Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo, who had been sentenced to death for armed robbery and theft of fowl in Oyan, Osun State.

Despite the state pardon, Omisakin reportedly returned to criminal activity within 10 days of his release.

Details of the Crime

According to the charge sheet obtained by FRONTPAGE, Omisakin was accused of breaking into the house of Shittu Damilare in the Al-Medinat Area, Iludun, Osogbo, at about 12:00 pm on January 3, 2025. The two charges filed against him are as follows:

• Count I: Breaking and entering the residence of Shittu Damilare.
• Count II: Stealing a plasma television valued at ₦600,000, belonging to the complainant.

The prosecutor, Kayode Adeoye, stated that Omisakin violated Section 411(1)(2) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II and Section 383, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

Court Proceedings and Bail Application

Omisakin was first arraigned on January 7, 2025. During the hearing, he applied for bail, but the prosecutor opposed the application, citing his prior conviction and the nature of the new offence. Magistrate A. Adeyeba adjourned the case to January 10 to rule on the bail application.

On January 10, the court declined Omisakin’s bail application. Magistrate Adeyeba stated that granting bail to the defendant, who had been pardoned for previous crimes only to reoffend shortly after, would undermine the justice system. The magistrate ordered that Omisakin be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre pending the conclusion of the trial.

Legal Implications of the Charges

The charges against Omisakin are serious, with Section 411 addressing burglary and breaking and entering, and Sections 383 and 390(9) covering theft and its punishments. If convicted, Omisakin could face a lengthy prison sentence, which may serve as a deterrent to others who abuse state clemency.

Reaction to the Case

The case has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the criteria used to grant state pardons. Critics argue that releasing individuals with a history of repeat offences undermines public trust in the justice system and places communities at risk.

Legal analysts have also highlighted the need for better post-pardon monitoring mechanisms to ensure that those granted clemency do not relapse into criminal behavior.

Next Steps

Omisakin remains in custody at the Ilesa Correctional Centre, and his trial is ongoing. The court is expected to deliberate on the evidence presented by the prosecution, as well as any mitigating factors presented by the defense.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the complexities surrounding state pardons and the challenges of rehabilitating ex-convicts. As Omisakin awaits trial, his case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ensuring that those granted clemency are adequately monitored and supported to prevent recidivism.

Omisakin, who had been pardoned on December 24, 2024, returned to criminal activities just days after his release.

Omisakin was arraigned before a Chief Magistrates Court in Osogbo for allegedly breaking into a home in the Inudun Area, Osogbo, and stealing a plasma television worth ₦600,000 on January 3, 2025.

Background: A State Pardon Gone Wrong

Omisakin was among eight individuals granted state pardon by Governor Adeleke, a list that included those convicted for various offences, including simple misdemeanors and capital crimes. Omisakin’s pardon coincided with those of Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo, who had been sentenced to death for armed robbery and theft of fowl in Oyan, Osun State.

Despite the state pardon, Omisakin reportedly returned to criminal activity within 10 days of his release.

Details of the Crime

According to the charge sheet obtained by FRONTPAGE, Omisakin was accused of breaking into the house of Shittu Damilare in the Al-Medinat Area, Iludun, Osogbo, at about 12:00 pm on January 3, 2025. The two charges filed against him are as follows:

• Count I: Breaking and entering the residence of Shittu Damilare.
• Count II: Stealing a plasma television valued at ₦600,000, belonging to the complainant.

The prosecutor, Kayode Adeoye, stated that Omisakin violated Section 411(1)(2) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II and Section 383, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

Court Proceedings and Bail Application

Omisakin was first arraigned on January 7, 2025. During the hearing, he applied for bail, but the prosecutor opposed the application, citing his prior conviction and the nature of the new offence. Magistrate A. Adeyeba adjourned the case to January 10 to rule on the bail application.

On January 10, the court declined Omisakin’s bail application. Magistrate Adeyeba stated that granting bail to the defendant, who had been pardoned for previous crimes only to reoffend shortly after, would undermine the justice system. The magistrate ordered that Omisakin be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre pending the conclusion of the trial.

Legal Implications of the Charges

The charges against Omisakin are serious, with Section 411 addressing burglary and breaking and entering, and Sections 383 and 390(9) covering theft and its punishments. If convicted, Omisakin could face a lengthy prison sentence, which may serve as a deterrent to others who abuse state clemency.

Reaction to the Case

The case has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the criteria used to grant state pardons. Critics argue that releasing individuals with a history of repeat offences undermines public trust in the justice system and places communities at risk.

Legal analysts have also highlighted the need for better post-pardon monitoring mechanisms to ensure that those granted clemency do not relapse into criminal behavior.

Next Steps

Omisakin remains in custody at the Ilesa Correctional Centre, and his trial is ongoing. The court is expected to deliberate on the evidence presented by the prosecution, as well as any mitigating factors presented by the defense.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the complexities surrounding state pardons and the challenges of rehabilitating ex-convicts. As Omisakin awaits trial, his case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ensuring that those granted clemency are adequately monitored and supported to prevent recidivism.