A Nigerian man who spent 10 years on death row for stealing some chickens and eggs has been promised a clemency from the governor of southwestern Osun state.
Segun Olokere was 17 years old in 2010 when he was arrested with his accomplice Morakinyo Sunday.
They were said to have attacked the house of a police officer and another person with an old-fashioned wooden pistol and a sword, but escaped only with poultry.
In 2014, Justice Gide Falola of the Osun State High Court sentenced the two to death by hanging after convicting them of forcibly entering a police officer's house and stealing his belongings.
There was protest across Nigeria at the time as many felt the punishment was too harsh.
The duo were then transferred to the notorious Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State where they were on death row.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed that Olowookere should be pardoned as he is important to protect the sanctity of life.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Justice to initiate proceedings to grant mercy rights to the youth.
“Osun is the land of justice and fairness. We must ensure justice and protect the sanctity of lives,” the governor posted on X.
The fate of Morakinyo Sunday, who was sentenced with Olowokere, is unclear as his name was not mentioned in the statement.
For many years, Olowokere's parents, human rights groups and other Nigerians fought for his release.
His parents were recently on a podcast where they cried and begged for forgiveness for their only child.
It is expected to be released in early 2025.
Nigeria has not carried out any death penalty since 2012, but there are currently more than 3,400 people on death row.
