Hon. Justice Falola, the presiding judge in the high-profile case of Olowookere Segun, has defended his decision to impose a death sentence, clarifying that the conviction was for armed robbery, not mere chicken theft. The judge’s statement comes in response to public backlash and widespread misinformation about the case.
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Justice Falola revealed that Olowookere Segun was part of a notorious gang that terrorized communities in Okuku, Oyan, and surrounding areas. According to the judge, the gang carried out violent home invasions, injured residents, and robbed multiple locations, including a poultry farm where the owner was shot during a daylight raid.
“They were not just stealing fowls,” Justice Falola said. “This gang was armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, robbing homes and causing significant harm. They were a menace to society.”
The conviction was based on the suspects being caught red-handed at the scene of the robbery, armed with firearms. The law, the judge emphasized, prescribes severe consequences for crimes involving firearms.
Justice Falola explained that the court’s decision to sentence Segun and his accomplices to death followed legal procedures. However, he acknowledged mitigating factors, such as the convicts’ ages and the possibility of first-time offenses.
“The court specifically recommended that the Governor consider commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment,” the judge stated. “This is a constitutional prerogative of the Governor, not the court.”
The case, tried during the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, saw no appeal filed by the convict or efforts to seek clemency, despite the court’s recommendation.
Justice Falola addressed what he described as a “skewed narrative” propagated by media outlets and sympathizers of the convict, who have framed the case as one of petty theft.
“There is no sentiment in law,” the judge said. “This was not a case of simple stealing. The offenders used firearms, which escalates the severity of the crime under the law.”
The judge also criticized the convict’s supporters for attempting to sway public opinion through emotional appeals rather than legal channels.
In a statement released to clarify the judgment, Justice Falola emphasized that the law is clear on cases involving firearms:
– Possession of firearms during a crime carries severe penalties, regardless of the nature of the offense.
– The judgment included a provision for the Governor to consider clemency based on mitigating factors, such as age and first-offender status.
The judge urged the public to trust the legal process and focus on facts rather than sensationalized reports.
The Olowookere Segun case has highlighted the serious consequences of armed robbery and the use of firearms in criminal activities. While Justice Falola stood firm on his application of the law, he reiterated that the final decision on clemency lies with the Governor.
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