Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered an investigation into the reported death sentence of a young man convicted in 2014 for stealing a fowl. The case, which has sparked outrage and debate on social media, has been labeled by many as a grossly disproportionate punishment for the crime.
In a statement shared on X.com on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke expressed his concern and directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to begin a full investigation. He also initiated steps to grant the young man a prerogative of mercy.
“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,” Adeleke wrote. “Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. This matter is receiving my direct attention with a sense of urgency.”
The young man was reportedly arrested in 2010 and sentenced to death by hanging in 2014. Social media has been awash with reactions, with many questioning the fairness of such a harsh punishment for what appears to be a minor crime.
Public Reactions
Many commentators highlighted the stark contrast between the sentence for fowl theft and the leniency often shown to high-profile financial criminals.
- #Uncle_Olu_ tweeted, “Imagine a country where someone spent 14 years in jail and was sentenced to death by hanging because he stole fowl. Fowl… but someone who stole over ₦80b was just given a ₦500m fine.”
- #Sholisea added, “Sentencing someone to death because he stole a fowl is the height of it in this country.”
Other users pointed out that theft alone does not warrant a death sentence unless accompanied by violence or weapons, which would classify it as armed robbery under Nigerian law.
- #TheYemiKing explained, “Even if you steal ₦20 and you carry a knife, it’s armed robbery. The judge must give a death sentence, as that’s what the law says. But the judge recommended that the governor can commute the death sentence. Why didn’t Aregbe?”
- #egi_nupe noted, “No court will sentence you to death for stealing a fowl. However, if the man is armed with a knife, gun, or machete while stealing, that’s armed robbery, and it’s a death sentence if found guilty.”
Governor’s Commitment
Governor Adeleke reaffirmed Osun State’s commitment to justice and equity, promising swift action to address the case. The development has reignited discussions on Nigeria’s legal system, the proportionality of punishments, and the role of governors in granting clemency for extreme sentences.
Observers are closely watching the case, hoping for a resolution that reflects both justice and compassion.