Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an immediate investigation and pardoning measures regarding the case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for allegedly stealing a fowl.
In a statement issued on the evening of Tuesday, 17th December, by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor instructed the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure the young man is considered for a prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement reads: “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 distraught parents of the young man, who was a medical student, recently shared their ordeal in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo. They described how their only son was “falsely” accused of stealing a fowl and subsequently sentenced to death by hanging for the alleged crime.
A video of the parents recounting their story is available below:
