*Urges Osun Govt To Facilitate Integration Of Pardoned Convict Into Society
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Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has criticized the trial and death sentence of Olowokere Segun, who was convicted of armed robbery at the age of 17 by the Osun State High Court.
In a detailed statement released on December 19, 2024, Falana described the proceedings as illegal, null, and void, emphasizing the court’s lack of jurisdiction and the violation of child rights laws.
The senior advocate pointed out that under the Child’s Rights Law and section 420 of the Osun State Criminal Procedure Law, no one under the age of 18 can be sentenced to death, even if convicted of armed robbery. The trial judge had recommended the governor commute the sentence to life in prison given Olowokere’s young age, but his family, likely due to poverty and ignorance, did not pursue an appeal or clemency.
As a result, Olowokere had been languishing on death row at Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre for the past decade. Falana stated that Governor Adeleke was right to utilize his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant the young man a full pardon.
The human rights lawyer recounted a similar case he took up in 1989 when 12 minors were wrongly sentenced to death in Lagos. His law firm’s interventions resulted in their death sentences first being commuted and the convicts later receiving full pardons as well.
While applauding the governor’s pardon, Falana called on the Osun State government to also ensure Olowokere’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The case highlights the need for proper legal processes and protections for underage defendants in the Nigerian criminal justice system.
The legal luminary’s advocacy continues to shed light on systemic injustices and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
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