Save Segun Olowookere’s Co-convict From Death Row, Falana Tells Gov Adeleke

Human Rights Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to pardon Morakinyo Sunday, who was ordered to get executed by hanging for stealing a fowl and eggs in Osun State a few years ago.

 Segun Olowokere and Morakinyo have been on death row at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison after getting declared convicted by the Osun State High Court, Ikirun, and they were ordered to get executed by hanging for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin local government, Osun State ,where they stole a fowl and eggs.

They have reportedly spent 14 years behind bars.

Charges were filed against them and they were brought before Justice Jide Falola of the state High Court, Ikirun , on January 30, 2013.

Olowookere and Morakinyo were said to have conspired to rob Oguntade Faramade in November 2010, and they took away fowls and eggs worth N20,000.

They were also accused of robbing Balogun Taye who was forced to part with his two mobile phones while they also attempted to rob another person, Alhaja Umani Oyewo, in her house.

The charge sheet claimed that they were armed with cutlasses and a dane gun and also attempted  to rob  Elizabeth Dare and force her to part with a gallon of vegetable oil.

Both Olowookere and Morakinyo pleaded not guilty to the charges but Olowookere was said to have confessed to committing the crime at the police station.

Justice Falola eventually declared Olowookere and Morakinyo convicted on December 17, 2014.

Team@orientactualmags.com  learned that Falana , who gave his take on the new developments with regard to the matter in a statement he issued on Monday, urged the governor to grant clemency to Morakinyo like he has promised to do in respect of Olowookere.

‘In April 2010, the Osun State Police Command arrested 6 young people for armed robbery, 4 defendants namely; Dare Sunday (15), Adedeji Samuel (15), Ojo Dare (16), Adeyemo Akeem (14) were however released for undisclosed reasons.

However, Segun Olowokere and Morakinyo Sunday were eventually arraigned in October 2012 on an 8-count charge of armed robbery. Upon arraignment of the duo, the police informed the trial court that the 4 other defendants had jumped bail without any evidence that they were declared wanted!

In the course of the trial, the defence counsel contended that the 2nd defendant (Morakinyo Sunday) was non compos mentis. The trial judge dismissed the allegation of insanity of the second defendant and proceeded with the trial.

However,  it was reported last week that Governor Ademola Adeleke has pardoned Segun Olowokere. On account of this, he has since been released from prison custody. While Segun Olowokere is currently breathing the air of freedom, his colleague, Morakinyo Sunday is still languishing in his condemned cell in the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre.

Since Segun Olowokere and Morakinyo Sunday were convicted for the same offence of armed robbery and sentenced to death, the law requires that they be treated equally as section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution has prohibited any form of discriminatory treatment of citizens. We are therefore compelled to urge Governor Adeleke to exercise his prerogative of mercy in favour of Morakinyo Sunday by granting him pardon, as soon as possible’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you