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“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

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“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

 

The Nigerian social media space was thrown into an uproar on Tuesday as news spread about Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State. The case, which dates back to 2010, has raised serious questions about justice, fairness, and the Nigerian judicial system.

Olowookere, now 31, was arrested alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when he was just 17 years old. Accused of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, the duo was convicted in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.

The Arrest and Trial

According to Olowookere, his ordeal began when a group of minors, allegedly involved in theft, named him as their gang leader. Despite his denial, he was subjected to severe torture by police officers and detained without immediate legal recourse.

“The police demanded ₦30,000 for my bail, but my father could only raise ₦20,000. Before he could return with the full amount, I was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Osogbo,” Olowookere recounted.

At trial, six witnesses testified against him. Although he pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence, the court relied heavily on a controversial confession reportedly obtained under duress. Justice Falola sentenced both Olowookere and Morakinyo to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for theft.

Public Outcry and Calls for Justice

The harsh sentence, perceived as disproportionate to the crime, has ignited widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the ruling, arguing that the trial was unlawful since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence.

Falana stated, “The Osun State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case. The matter should have been handled by the Family Court, which would not impose the death penalty on a child.”

Governor Adeleke’s Intervention

“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation and initiated steps for a pardon. “I assure the public that this case is receiving urgent attention. Justice and fairness must prevail,” the governor announced on X.

Lingering Appeal and a Tarnished Legacy

The case is still pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure, 13 years after it began. Meanwhile, Justice Falola, who presided over the trial, was recently retired by the National Judicial Council following a separate scandal involving professional misconduct.

The Human Toll

Olowookere, who has spent over a decade on death row, dreams of becoming a doctor. He has trained under medical practitioners at his custodial center and hopes to prove his innocence and contribute to society.

“I pray to God to set me free. I am not a criminal. I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said.

Morakinyo, his co-convict, was not as fortunate. Following years of torture, he has developed severe mental health issues and is now unrecognizable, according to Olowookere.

What’s Next?

As the public awaits the conclusion of the appeal process, Olowookere’s story has become a rallying point for advocacy against systemic injustice. Many Nigerians are calling for comprehensive judicial reforms to prevent such cases in the future.

The tragedy of Segun Olowookere is a grim reminder of the cracks in Nigeria’s justice system—cracks that have left a young man’s life hanging in the balance for over a decade.

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Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa  

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Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa

 

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated workers in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of May 1st, the International Workers’ Day, describing them as the true drivers of the state’s economic success.

 

In a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Rt. Hon. Obasa commended the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of workers who continue to sustain the economy and uphold the values of hard work and productivity. He noted that the progress Lagos has recorded over the years would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of its workforce.

Workers are the true drivers of Lagos’ economic success,” Obasa
 

The Speaker also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent efforts to give Nigerian workers a new lease of life through salary increases and other welfare-driven policies. He described these measures as timely interventions that reflect the President’s commitment to improving the living standards of the nation’s workforce.

 

“As we mark Workers’ Day, I salute the men and women whose labour remains the backbone of our society. Your contributions are invaluable, and your sacrifices inspire us to continue building a Lagos that thrives on fairness, innovation, and opportunity for all,” the Speaker said.

 

Dr. Obasa further assured workers that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to enacting laws and policies that protect their rights, enhance their welfare, and create an environment that fosters sustainable growth. He urged them to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing that their efforts would continue to shape a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

 

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Speaker wished all workers a Happy Workers’ Day.

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Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage”  — Dr Chris Okafor

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Grace Nation PHDS: “Groaning in the Spirit Breaks Perpetual Bondage” 

— Dr Chris Okafor

…No demonic force can withstand spiritual groaning

…The spiritual realm overrides the physical

Praying in the Spirit—particularly through groaning and speaking in tongues—has the capacity to break longstanding bondage and provoke immediate divine intervention.

 

This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during the Midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) service at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

 

Speaking during prophetic declarations, Dr Okafor emphasized that when believers engage in deep, Spirit-led prayer, especially in unknown tongues, they activate a higher dimension of divine response.

 

According to him, such prayers attract immediate attention from God and can alter difficult situations.

 

He noted that strategic and intense prayer against forces of bondage can shift negative circumstances. “When you engage the Spirit at that level, God steps in and rewrites the narrative in your favour,” he stated.

 

Addressing the sub-theme of spiritual slavery and bondage, the cleric explained that groaning in the Spirit disrupts negative spiritual influences. He added that speaking in tongues creates confusion within what he described as opposing spiritual forces, leading to a breakdown of their operations.

 

Prophetic Moments and Outreach

 

The service reportedly took on a heightened prophetic dimension, with sessions focused on deliverance and restoration.

 

According to the church, individuals experienced breakthroughs as prayers were offered over various personal challenges.

In a notable outreach gesture, the ministry distributed over 70 wedding gowns to single women, while also making prophetic declarations concerning families seeking children, with 27 “miracle baby” blessings pronounced during the service.

 

 

Prayer for the Nation

 

The PHDS gathering concluded with prayers for Nigeria, as Dr Okafor called for divine guidance for national leaders ahead of the country’s upcoming political activities.

The service combined teaching, prophetic engagement, and humanitarian gestures, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on spiritual intervention and social support.

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Workers Day: Ajadi Felicitates Civil Servants, Promises Continuous Welfarism Policies If Elected As Governor

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Workers Day: Ajadi Felicitates Civil Servants, Promises Continuous Welfarism Policies If Elected As Governor

 

As workers across the World celebrate their day on Friday, May 1, 2026, a leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has rejoiced with the workers in Oyo State.

This is as he also promised to continue the welfarism policies and enhancement of civil servants by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde when elected as the Governor of the state in 2027.

International Workers’ Day, also called Labour Day or May Day is a celebration of labourers and the workforce that is promoted by the international labour movement and occurs every year on May 1.

Ajadi, in a statement on Thursday, said that workers are the engine rooms of development all over the world, saying that their contributions to national development and growth cannot be ignored by any government.

He then rejoiced with the workers on the occasion of their annual day and wished them a good celebration.

Ajadi, a business tycoon and employer of labour, said that the harsh economy is telling hard on the living conditions of workers, promising that a PDP-led government at the federal level will introduce workers’ friendly policies.

He used the occasion of this year’s Workers Day to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his good working relations with the workers and more importantly for the prompt payment of salaries and pension for workers and retirees.

“I thank our leader, Governor Seyi Makinde for his love for the workers, and regular payment of salaries on the 25th of every month is commendable,” Ajadi said.

He promised that when elected, he will continue the workers friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde of the state.

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