The Osun State Government has extended its amnesty programme to four indigenes serving sentences at the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre in Ogun State, including another man convicted for stealing a fowl.
The initiative was announced by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Among the beneficiaries is Sunday Morakinyo, who was sentenced to death in 2010 alongside his co-defendant, Segun Olowookere, for stealing a fowl in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that their conviction, deemed severe for the offense, sparked public debate about the fairness of the Nigerian justice system.
After over a decade in custody, Morakinyo’s release was facilitated by the governor’s directive.
Officials at the Abeokuta Custodial Centre handed him over to his uncle, who represented his family during the release process.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that his co-defendant, Olowookere, got the governor’s amnesty in Osun state.
Other inmates who benefited from the programme include Demola Odeyemi, Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, and Arulogun Ayomide, all of whom were released.
Additionally, Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen was granted freedom, while Ojekunle Timothy, who has spent 10 years in detention, had his sentence reduced to 15 years.
The amnesty, according to the Osun State Government, aims to reintegrate reformed inmates into society and ensure justice is tempered with mercy.
Governor Adeleke emphasized the need to review sentences, particularly for minor offenses or cases that highlight disparities in the criminal justice system.
Sunday Morakinyo’s case, involving the theft of a fowl, has been viewed as emblematic of systemic issues, including the disproportionate punishment for minor crimes.
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