₦airaland Forum

mrvitalis:
So you think people responsible for insecurity in South South and South West are not causing insecurity in South East?

People causing insecurity all over Nigeria but not South East right?

Is that so educated man?

Bankowner:
Great mistake that would be.
How would you take it if you hear prerogative of mercy is being considered for a potential murderer?
Best is to leave out that gruesome part, stealing chicken and eggs is not a capital offence.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm92r74yd0o&ved=2ahUKEwj5moCesLGKAxUkXEEAHaLoPOcQFnoECCYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2VU2M4TdQyNgs0mxuevsWS

Addendum:

Just received this from a lawyer colleague of mine who is a retired judge of the High Court of Oyo State clarifying the true position of the case. You may wish to read through

*Re* : *Death* by *Hanging* for *Stealing* *fowl* .*

*Upholding the Integrity of the Judiciary and Setting the Record Straight on the Conviction of Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday*

By: .... Akinwole Olasubomi A.

The Osun State Government's recent consideration of the prerogative of mercy for convicted individuals has drawn significant attention and have invariably stirred public opinion based on incomplete or misleading narratives. While this action demonstrates the government’s commitment to exercising compassion and upholding constitutional provisions, it is imperative that such privilege is not misinterpreted or misused to distort the sanctity of judicial decisions. Misleading narratives aimed at undermining the judiciary not only threaten public trust but also obscure the real facts surrounding this case.

The Osun State Government deserves commendation for its thoughtful approach to this matter, particularly its willingness to consider clemency in light of the convicts' circumstances through the prerogative of mercy as exercised by the executive arm of government is a constitutional provision designed to temper justice with compassion and mercy when appropriate. But this authority is not in anyway a critique of judicial decisions. Instead, it reflects a complementary relationship between the arms of government, underscoring the separation of powers.

However, it is equally crucial to avoid abusing this constitutional privilege by turning the law into a tool to fit a distorted narrative, especially one that trivializes the gravity of the original crimes. This recent development does not, and should not, be interpreted as a challenge to the judiciary's authority. The judiciary's role is to ensure that justice is served based on evidence and the letter of the law, while the executive’s mercy is a discretionary act that operates within a separate but complementary sphere.

It is therefore crucial to clarify the facts and reaffirm the role of the judiciary as the backbone of any functional democracy tasked with interpreting and enforcing the law impartially based on evidence, legal statutes, and due process. The misleading portrayal of the judiciary, and in particular the judge who presided over the case, is not only unfair but risks undermining public trust in this vital arm of government.

The current case is a reflection of this democratic balance. The judiciary fulfilled its mandate by delivering a verdict based on the facts and the law. Any subsequent exercise of clemency by the executive does not negate the judiciary's integrity but highlights the collaborative nature of governance under the separation of powers.

*The Facts of the Case*

Contrary to sensationalized reports, the conviction of Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday was not for the petty theft of a fowl, but for armed robbery and related crimes. The prosecution, led by the state Solicitor-General, Mrs. Abiola Adewemimo, presented irrefutable evidence, including eyewitness accounts and confessions from the accused.

The case stemmed from an incident in the year 2010, when the convicts forcefully broke into the home of Mr. Balogun Tope, a police officer, armed with a cutlass and a dane gun. They carted away valuables, including livestock, and were apprehended following their involvement in similar robberies. The evidence showed a clear pattern of criminal behaviour, including their admission to robbing another individual, Alhaja Umani Oyewo, from whom they stole broilers, eggs, and kegs of vegetable oil.

Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court, sitting in Okuku, delivered a judgment grounded in the law. The convicts were found guilty of conspiracy, robbery, and stealing, with sentences proportionate to the gravity of their crimes, death by hanging for conspiracy, in accordance with Section 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearm (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R 11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Life imprisonment for robbery. Three years’ imprisonment for stealing.

The judge also showed humanity in his judgment, recommending that the governor may consider commuting the death sentence to a ten-year prison term, given the convicts’ ages and circumstances. This reflects a balanced application of the law, tempered with empathy, a situation we now witnessed been put into play by the Osun State government.

It is however disheartening to see attempts to trivialize this case by focusing solely on the theft of a fowl, ignoring the armed robbery charges and the overwhelming evidence presented in court. Such distortions risk misleading the public and eroding confidence in the judiciary. It is important for citizens to understand that the judiciary operates based on evidence and established legal frameworks, not emotion or public sentiment.

To those who care to know, the judiciary system in Nigeria cutting across the 36 sates and federal capital territory is a pillar of democracy, tasked with delivering justice impartially and without bias. So in the case of Osun State, Justice Falola’s handling of the case in question reflects the professionalism and integrity that underpin the judiciary's work. The prerogative of mercy, if exercised, is not a repudiation of the court's judgment but a constitutional tool for tempering justice with clemency.

Members of the public are urged to seek facts and reject narratives designed to undermine the judiciary. Trust in this institution is essential for maintaining law, order, and justice in society. Let us protect the integrity of the judiciary and support its critical role in safeguarding our democracy.
Copied

DrAda:
So what's the solution? The problems have been highlighted. What can we do as citizens to curb this ugly trend?

Yong4ever:
Judiciary is obviously our problem in Nigeria, they're the most corrupt.

BuharisBoy:
Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, undermining governance and economic growth. The judiciary, which should be the last bastion of hope for justice, often plays a contradictory role in this fight. In many cases, Nigerian judges have frustrated anti-corruption efforts through questionable rulings, procedural delays, and complicity with corrupt individuals.

One glaring example is the tendency to grant questionable injunctions that halt investigations or prosecutions. For instance, several high-profile corruption cases involving politicians and business moguls have been delayed indefinitely by court injunctions. In 2020, a federal court issued a perpetual injunction barring anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating certain political figures. Such rulings effectively shield corrupt individuals from accountability and undermine public trust in the judiciary.

Another issue is the use of frivolous technicalities to dismiss cases. Judges often focus on procedural errors rather than substantive evidence, allowing corrupt individuals to escape justice. A notable example is the case of former Delta State governor James Ibori. After being acquitted in Nigeria despite overwhelming evidence, he was later convicted in the United Kingdom for the same offenses. This discrepancy highlighted the failures of Nigeria's judiciary in handling corruption cases.

Judges themselves are not immune to corruption. Allegations of bribery and undue influence are rife in the judicial system. In 2016, several judges were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly receiving bribes to influence rulings. While these arrests were initially seen as a bold step, many of the accused judges either had their cases dismissed or faced minimal consequences, further eroding confidence in the judiciary.

Delays in judicial processes also hinder anti-corruption efforts. High-profile corruption trials often drag on for years, giving defendants ample time to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. For instance, the trial of former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has faced multiple delays, despite allegations involving billions of dollars in stolen funds.

These challenges highlight the need for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s judiciary. Strengthening judicial independence, ensuring transparency in appointments, and implementing strict accountability mechanisms are crucial steps. Without a robust and impartial judiciary, the fight against corruption in Nigeria will continue to be an uphill battle, with dire consequences for governance and development.

elipheleh:
This Sierra Lone man should be careful o.

Are you referring to president Tinubu?

How can he say this boldly while in Abuja in Nigeria?

Tinubu and his 20 gangs of judges will soon arrest you.

Truly corruption flows from top to bottom

ClearFlair:
Why would anybody attempt to sing such

Bankowner:
Great mistake that would be.
How would you take it if you hear prerogative of mercy is being considered for a murderer?
Best is to leave out that gruesome part, stealing chicken and eggs is not a capital offence.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm92r74yd0o&ved=2ahUKEwj5moCesLGKAxUkXEEAHaLoPOcQFnoECCYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2VU2M4TdQyNgs0mxuevsWS

Ishilove:
I wouldn't put it past them

zoedew:
The information you have out there on this matter is incomplete. It was the offence of Armed Robbery that was in issue the which was proved against the Defendant. The Judge strictly followed the Law (which knows no sentiments) in sentencing the Defendant but recommended a commuttal of the sentence to 10 years imprisonment by the Governor. The Judge did his duty. He was fungus officio. There was no appeal.

realguyremzy:
Judge name: Justice Jide Falola. He was compulsorily retired last year for a corruption offece

Egbetayo:
When we all pass judgement on the jusge in this matter whose judgement was based on fact of the case. Nobody is talking anyrhing about the DPO request for #30000 bribe and the parents raised #20000. DPO refusal to accept the #20000 led to unfair representation of fact before the trial judge.

Kennitrust:
chicken and human life are worth the same... That's how a learned judge interpreted it.
The same judge will give you all the reason why a certified criminal politician was granted bail.

Lexicon123:
Very very ridiculous judicial system. How do these so-called judges sleep at night when they basically dole out judgments on the basis of who can pay? How on earth would billionaire thieves in government and other sectors go unscathed or with very minimal jail terms, but a poor minor gets sentenced to death for stealing a “fowl”?! God will judge these criminals in wigs and black!

SEGLIZ:
the story is more than you've just read, the teenager they are talking about is around 34yrs of age now. he has bagged a degree in medicine while in prison.
he is just getting a pardon for a crime he never committed. he didn't even eat from the said chicken he was accused of stealing.

Bankowner:
It's probably more than the chicken and eggs. It's only a capital offence that necessitates a capital punishment. Hoping he didn't kill anyone during the act.

bewla:
No well put up

God's chicken
Orisha egg

Enskynelson:
The review will not be complete if the judge is not stripped of his position and disgraced if found guilty of misdeeds. Chai... To even imagine that the boy has spent more than 10 years in prison already is painful. Chai... Only God knows how many other persons are in prison for crimes they didn't commit or serving sentences that far outweighs their offences

etrouble:
Even Secondus that’s only living because of Wike magnanimity. I am not surprised anyway. If imPatience Jonathan and her drunk “wife” Goatluck Jonathan could stab Nyezom Wike on the face, who else cannot be Judas?

The same Wike who in 2014/2015 took on the nPDP consisting of Bukola Saraki, Rotimi Amaechi, other aggrieved governors and several Senators including Buhari and Tinubu JAGABAN because Goatluck was drunk and asleep, he took on all enemies of the Jonathan’s, though he won the battle, but he lost the war. Yet, the treacherous Mr and Mrs Jonathan just stabbed Nyezom Wike on the face by publicly supporting Wike’s enemies. Who else cannot politicians trust?

Thundafireseun:
He is ungrateful and God Himself hates ungrateful people

Thundafireseun:
Fubara should Gerrout jare ….

We know he is a snake

BigYash:
I will say you are also right,but some kids will still go the way they choose. Peer pressure and society changes most them, against what their parents trained them to be. All thanks to social media and spirit of Gen Z these days.It's literally affecting alot of kids negatively. Some may call it civilization,but I see it as moral decadence.