In a harrowing account of injustice, Segun Olowookere, a 17-year-old who was sentenced to death for allegedly stealing chickens, has come forward to reveal the traumatic events that led to his conviction. His case has sparked widespread outrage, shedding light on the deep-rooted flaws within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Olowookere, who was arrested in 2010 from Oyan in Osun State’s Odo-Otin Local Government Area, was accused of theft involving fowls, eggs, and other items valued at just N20,000. Alongside him was another suspect, Sunday Morakinyo, who was similarly charged with armed robbery involving a gallon of vegetable oil, two mobile phones, and an attempted robbery.
Despite their vehement denials, Olowookere and Morakinyo were subjected to harsh conditions and torture, which they claim led to false confessions. “I was at my father’s shop discussing my university admission when the police stormed in with guns blazing,” Olowookere recalled. “They accused me of leading a group of children aged 12 and 13 who committed the theft. I denied it, but they tortured me until I was forced to confess to crimes I didn’t commit.”
Olowookere’s father made several attempts to secure his release, offering a bribe of N20,000 after initially being asked for N30,000. However, the police rejected the reduced amount and transferred Olowookere to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Osogbo, where he endured 17 days of relentless abuse before being arraigned on charges of armed robbery.
The trial that followed was equally disturbing. On January 30, 2013, both Olowookere and Morakinyo were convicted by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court in Ikirun. Despite maintaining their innocence, they were sentenced to death, with evidence such as cutlasses they were forced to use for cutting grass being presented against them.
“I was never part of any gang,” Olowookere said. “The children who allegedly committed the crime were released, but we were left to bear the consequences.”
The ordeal has left Olowookere disillusioned with the justice system. “I was a teenager with dreams of going to university. Instead, I’ve been condemned for a crime I didn’t commit. My life has been stolen from me,” he lamented.
Olowookere’s story highlights the urgent need for reforms within Nigeria’s justice system, where corruption, police misconduct, and flawed judicial processes frequently result in the wrongful conviction of innocent individuals. His case serves as a powerful reminder of the systemic issues that must be addressed to ensure justice and restore public trust.
Editor’s Note:
Lagos Reporters remains committed to amplifying the voices of those who have been wronged and advocating for justice. We urge authorities to re-examine cases like Olowookere’s and take necessary steps to prevent similar miscarriages of justice in the future.
