The family of Sunday Morakinyo, an indigene of Osun State recently pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that police torture during his detention led to his current mental illness.
They are now seeking support from the government and charitable individuals to aid his rehabilitation.
Morakinyo, alongside Segun Olowookere, had been sentenced to death in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, and stealing.
The charges were based on the alleged theft of chickens and eggs worth ₦20,000 from Oguntade Faramade.
Both men consistently maintained their innocence, claiming the accusations were fabricated.
Detained at the Ilesa and Abeokuta Correctional Centres since their arrest in November 2010, Morakinyo was reportedly in stable health before his encounter with the police.
However, his release in 2024, following Governor Adeleke’s intervention and review of the case, revealed severe signs of mental instability.
Speaking about his ordeal, Olowookere, who was also pardoned, attributed Morakinyo’s mental condition to the torture they endured at the Okuku Police Division.
“Sunday wasn’t mentally unstable before the arrest. His condition is due to what we suffered in police custody,” he said.
Morakinyo’s uncle, Ojo Olaide, confirmed the family’s concerns, emphasizing that his nephew had no prior history of mental illness.
He accused the police of fabricating confessions, describing the case as a miscarriage of justice.
“Sunday was arrested at the market, and Segun was taken from his father’s shop. The police accused them of crimes they didn’t commit and even falsified their confessions,” Olaide alleged.
He also noted that Morakinyo’s mental decline became evident during visits to the correctional centre. “When I visited him, he didn’t even recognize me,” he lamented.
While expressing gratitude to Governor Adeleke for the pardon, Olaide appealed for further assistance to fund Morakinyo’s medical treatment.
“We thank the governor for his kindness, but we need help to treat Sunday and rehabilitate him,” he said.
The family has scheduled a hospital visit for Morakinyo on Monday, urging well-meaning Nigerians to support his recovery.
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