Mutalubi Adebayo, the former Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Attorney General of Oyo State, has warned Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke against getting involved in the case of death row inmate Segun Olowookere.
Olowookere was found guilty in 2014 of armed robbery, which he committed in 2010 when he robbed a police officer and other citizens in Osun State’s Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
Claims that Olowookere was given a death sentence for simply snatching a fowl brought the matter to the public’s notice recently, as previously reported by Entrepreneurng.
Governor Adeleke responded by ordering the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General to look into the situation and start the procedures for awarding a prerogative of mercy.
However, Adebayo disputed the claim that Olowookere’s punishment was only for stealing birds, highlighting the fact that he was a member of a renowned gang that committed armed robberies.
He cautioned that giving in to public pressure stemming from false information could jeopardise judges and compromise the integrity of the courts.
Adebayo said, “The report that the prisoner was convicted and sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is a pure lie and cheap blackmail that was packaged with a view to secure freedom for the prisoner through the backdoor.”
The top attorney cautioned the public and government representatives against being influenced by false information that can result in unwarranted criticism of the judiciary. He emphasised how crucial it is to respect the rule of law and make sure that judgements are supported by correct facts.
