Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commuted the sentences of 53 convicts, including Segun Olowokere, who was sentenced to death at 17 for stealing chicken and eggs.
The decision, announced on Thursday, aligns with recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke emphasized his commitment to justice and humanity.
“Gov. Ademola Adeleke has exercised the prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
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The letter of commutation, dated Dec. 24, has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities,” the statement read.
The governor’s decision affects inmates convicted of simple offences who have served a significant portion of their sentences and others sentenced to death who have spent at least 10 years in custody.
30 inmates convicted of simple offences their remaining sentences entirely remitted. 12 inmates convicted of simple offences granted outright pardon.
Also, six convicts sentenced to death have their sentences commuted to outright release, one convict sentenced to death commuted to 15 years of imprisonment, while the other four convicts sentenced to death granted outright pardon.
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Among those pardoned is Segun Olowokere, who was sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court in 2010 for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
Olowokere, who was just 17 years old at the time of his sentencing, has now been granted a second chance at life.
NAN