Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed immediate investigation and pardoning action on the case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun state for stealing a fowl.
In a statement signed by Governor’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Tuesday evening, December 17, the Governor ordered the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure the young man is listed for prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.
‘’ I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”the statement read
The distraught parents of the young man had an interview with actress Biola Adebayo where they shared the sad story of how their only son who was a medical student was “falsely” accused of stealing fowl and then subsequently sentenced to death by hanging for same crime.
“But the judge recommended that the governor can commute the death sentence.
“No court will sentence you to death for stealing a fowl. Stealing is not a death sentence. However, if the man is harmed with either a knife, gun, iron rod, machete, or gun while stealing, that’s armed robbery, and it’s a death sentence if found guilty.”
