The parents of a young man sentenced to death after being falsely accused of theft have shared their heartbreaking ordeal in an emotional interview.
In the latest episode of Talk to B, hosted by actress Biola Bayo, the elderly couple recounted the tragic story of their son, Segun Olowookere. Fourteen years ago, at just 17 years old, Segun was arrested in Osun State for allegedly stealing a fowl. To their utter devastation, he was sentenced to death by hanging.
The couple revealed that, despite the years that have passed, Segun remains on death row, with all attempts to secure bail or appeal his case unsuccessful. They also shared their inability to pay the N30,000 initially requested for his bail, a situation that worsened their plight.
In a viral video circulating online, the elderly couple revealed that despite being on trial and incarcerated, Segun pursued his education, studied medicine, and successfully graduated while from prison.
Segun’s parents made a heartfelt plea to the current governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, urging him to review their son’s case and show compassion by tempering justice with mercy.
Segun’s mother tearfully said, “The people of Nigeria, I went somewhere. I never thought I would return home. When I got there, I was just having goose bumps. So I thought, even if my journey ends here, my son should just be free. There is no place, we haven’t gotten on this case. He studied medicine and graduated there. I call on Ademola Adeleke to please apply leniency.”
Segun’s father narrated, “They said the children stole fowl and eggs. Everyone in the neighbourhood was begging him to run away. Either you know about it or not, you are lucky. He insisted that he would not run since he did not steal the fowl. That was why the police came and we entered the trouble. The DPO asked us to find N30k if I did not want my son to go to Prison. At the end, we were able to raise N20k.”