ARMED ROBBERY, NOT FOWL THEFT: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE CONVICTION OF OLOWOOKERE SEGUN AND MORAKEYO SUNDAY

A recent news story has been circulating about two men, Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday, who were sentenced to death by hanging for allegedly stealing a fowl. However, this narrative is far from accurate.

According to Law Ajadosu, a counsel in the case, the true story began in 2010 when the convicts broke into the home of a police officer, armed with a cutlass and a dane gun, and stole valuables, including livestock.

The case was heard at the Osun State High Court, where Justice Jide Falola delivered a judgment grounded in the law. The convicts were found guilty of conspiracy, robbery, and stealing, with sentences proportionate to the gravity of their crimes, including death by hanging for conspiracy.

Ajadosu confirmed that the accused used a cutlass to rob people, and under Nigerian law, the punishment for armed robbery is death. He shared that the young man was in the habit of robbing while armed with a cutlass and was found guilty by Justice Falola in 2014.

The accused reportedly robbed over six families, with the last incident involving a Dane gun, which was used until a police officer disarmed and arrested them. In Nigeria, armed robbery is punishable by death, as stated in Section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms Act.

The Osun State Government has considered granting prerogative of mercy to the convicts, which is a constitutional provision designed to temper justice with compassion and mercy. Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure the convicts are listed for prerogative of mercy.

It is essential to note that the judiciary operates based on evidence and established legal frameworks, not emotion or public sentiment. The prerogative of mercy, if exercised, is not a repudiation of the court's judgment but a constitutional tool for tempering justice with clemency.

The misleading narrative surrounding the case has sparked concerns about the integrity of the judiciary. However, it is crucial to rely on accurate information and respect the integrity of the judiciary, rather than spreading misleading narratives that can erode public trust in the institution.

In conclusion, the true story behind the conviction of Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday is one of armed robbery and the consequences that follow such a serious crime. It is essential to set the record straight and avoid spreading misinformation that can undermine the integrity of the judiciary.