Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent decision to pardon Segun Olowookere, a man sentenced to death for stealing a chicken in 2010, is a commendable act of justice and humanity.
This singular gesture not only underscores the governor’s commitment to fairness but also highlights the broader issues of justice reform and prison rehabilitation in Nigeria. Segun’s case epitomizes the disproportionate punishments meted out to the poor and marginalized, and this pardon sends a clear message that justice must be tempered with mercy.
By extending this act of clemency, Governor Adeleke has also pardoned 53 other convicts, reflecting a commitment to addressing systemic injustices. Many of these individuals are victims of a flawed judicial process and societal neglect, having languished in overcrowded prisons for years for minor offenses.
Such individuals, like Segun, are often products of poverty and desperation, and their imprisonment often exacerbates their vulnerabilities rather than addressing the root causes of their actions.
It is disheartening to acknowledge that there are countless other “Segun Olowookeres” still languishing in Nigerian prisons. Some have succumbed to the harsh conditions, dying quietly without any public attention, while others have emerged from prison more broken than they entered.
The justice system, meant to rehabilitate and reform, often becomes a source of irreversible damage to these individuals. This situation raises questions about the role of prisons in society: are they meant to punish or to reform?
Prisons should serve as rehabilitation centers where individuals, even those on death row, are given opportunities to reform and reintegrate into society. A person’s time in prison should be an opportunity for reflection and growth, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities upon release.
Unfortunately, this ideal is far from reality in many Nigerian prisons, where overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and neglect are rampant.
Governor Adeleke’s action should inspire a broader re-evaluation of the justice system, particularly in revisiting cases of prisoners with minor offenses or those with questionable convictions.
By reviewing such cases, the government can reduce the overwhelming population in prisons while ensuring that justice is served. This process would not only alleviate the suffering of inmates but also save public funds spent on maintaining these overcrowded facilities.
Furthermore, this act of clemency underscores the urgent need for reforms that address the root causes of crime in Nigeria, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to quality education. By addressing these systemic issues, the government can reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system in the first place. Prevention, as always, is better than cure.
Governor Adeleke’s bold decision should serve as a wake-up call for other state governments and the federal government to take similar actions. Addressing the backlog of cases, implementing alternative sentencing for minor crimes, and improving prison conditions should be prioritized. These reforms would not only uphold the dignity of prisoners but also reflect a justice system grounded in equity and compassion.
Written by Tinu Omolabi
Head of Current Affairs Directorate,
Radio Lagos/ Eko89.7FM,
Lagos.
