The Case of Segun Olowookere: A Fight for Justice and Amnesty
Author: Dr. Olufemi Olaleye
I first met Segun Olowookere at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, a place where many innocent lives are confined unjustly. His story, like mine, represents a fight against the overreach of the law. But unlike me, Segun has not been fortunate enough to have his wrongful sentence overturned. While I had the resources and luck to afford an appeal, Segun and many others like him are not so lucky. They remain in limbo, paying the heavy price for a justice system that is both flawed and unforgiving.
Segun, who hails from the town of Oyan in Osun State, was just 17 years old when he was arrested in 2010. He and his co-defendant, Morakinyo Sunday, were accused of robbing the home of a police officer, Mr. Balogun Tope, in Okuku, Osun State. Armed with a cutlass and a dane gun, they allegedly stole chickens and committed other crimes. Despite the relatively minor nature of their offenses, Segun was sentenced to death by hanging for conspiracy, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for stealing.
At the time of his arrest, Segun was a child—barely 17—and yet he found himself sentenced to death. The court recommended that after serving 10 years in prison, the governor of Osun State could grant clemency. However, despite this provision, there has been no history of Osun granting such amnesty in the past decade. Segun’s chances of freedom remain slim without outside intervention.
The Struggles: A Young Life Destroyed by Injustice
Since his sentencing in 2014, Segun has spent the majority of his life in prison. Now, at 31, he has spent 14 years incarcerated, a large portion of his adult life. His situation highlights the harsh realities faced by many prisoners who are caught in the unjust system. While I was fortunate to have the means to pursue an appeal that led to my eventual acquittal, Segun’s case reflects the countless others who cannot afford this opportunity. He has spent years in prison with little hope of seeing the outside world again unless the state governor intervenes—an unlikely possibility given the historical lack of clemency in Osun.
Segun’s case also highlights the broader systemic failures of the Nigerian justice system, which often favors the powerful while failing to offer adequate legal support to the poor and marginalized. Those who lack financial resources often find themselves at the mercy of a system that is both punitive and unforgiving. Segun’s wrongful conviction is a clear example of how the system fails those who need it the most.
The Need for Change: Advocating for Amnesty and Reform
Segun’s fight for justice is far from over. It’s a fight for fairness and a call for reform in the Nigerian judicial system. His case, which involves a minor crime like stealing chickens, resulted in a death sentence—a stark reminder of how out of proportion the punishment is to the offense. Such cases underscore the urgent need for legal reform, for a system that offers second chances rather than life sentences for relatively minor crimes.
As someone who has experienced the brutal reality of wrongful conviction, I cannot ignore Segun’s plight. I was fortunate enough to have the resources to fight my case, but Segun and countless others are left to navigate an unjust system without hope. His case is a stark reminder that we must push for legal reforms, better access to justice, and a fairer system that does not punish the poor and powerless.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Segun’s story is not just about him. It’s a broader reflection of the many who languish in prison due to wrongful convictions, poor legal representation, and systemic failures. He is one of the many voiceless individuals who are trapped in the cycle of injustice, unable to escape or find the help they so desperately need.
We must advocate for those like Segun. His case calls for us to challenge the system, to demand fairness, and to ensure that the voices of the voiceless are heard. It’s time to fight for reform, for the human rights of those wrongly imprisoned, and for a justice system that is truly just for all.
Segun’s case is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address the broken system. His story is not one of defeat but of resilience, and it’s a call to action for all of us to ensure that the fight for justice continues.