Segun Olowookere, sentenced to death for stealing poultry as a teenager, has been granted a pardon after 10 years on death row. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State announced plans for his release, citing fairness and justice. Olowookere is expected to be freed by early 2025, while the fate of his accomplice remains unclear.

A Nigerian man who was sentenced to death for stealing hens and eggs as a teenager has been granted a pardon after spending 10 years on death row. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State announced plans to release Segun Olowookere, now 31, who was arrested at the age of 17.

In 2010, Olowookere and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, were accused of breaking into the home of a police officer, armed with a wooden gun and a sword. They managed to escape with only poultry. Despite the minor nature of the theft, a court sentenced them to death by hanging in 2014, which sparked nationwide outrage due to the severity of the punishment.

Olowookere has been confined to the death row at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison since the verdict. However, on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke instructed the state's justice commissioner to initiate the process of granting clemency, emphasizing the importance of fairness and the sanctity of life.

"Osun is a land of justice and equity," the governor stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Olowookere is expected to be released by early 2025, though the fate of his accomplice, Sunday, remains uncertain.

Olowookere's family, along with human rights activists, has long campaigned for his release. His parents made an emotional plea on a recent podcast, urging mercy for their only child.

Nigeria has not carried out any executions since 2012, although over 3,400 people remain on death row.