By Damilola Adeleke

Hon. Justice Falola, the presiding judge in the case of Olowookere Segun and his accomplices, has addressed public outcry over their death sentence, emphasizing that the conviction stemmed from armed robbery, not chicken theft.

The clarification comes amid widespread misinformation and emotional appeals by sympathizers of the convicts.

According to Justice Falola, the gang, led by Olowookere Segun, was responsible for a series of violent home invasions and armed robberies in Okuku, Oyan, and neighboring communities. Their crimes included attacking a poultry farm, where they shot the owner during a daytime raid, causing panic and harm.

“This was not a case of simple theft,” Justice Falola stated. “The convicts were armed with firearms, terrorizing residents and endangering lives. Such acts demand the full weight of the law.”The suspects were apprehended at the scene of one of their robberies, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons. Justice Falola explained that the use of firearms during a crime escalates its severity under Nigerian law, warranting strict penalties, including the death sentence.

The court’s decision followed due legal processes, but the judge acknowledged mitigating factors, such as the ages of the convicts and the possibility of their being first-time offenders. In his ruling, Justice Falola specifically recommended that the Governor consider commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment, a constitutional prerogative beyond the court’s jurisdiction.

“While the law prescribes the death penalty for crimes involving firearms, the court has also considered the human side of justice,” the judge said. “We advised the Governor to weigh these factors when deciding on clemency.”Justice Falola criticized the narrative being pushed by supporters of the convicts, which framed the case as one of petty theft. He condemned attempts to sway public opinion through emotional appeals rather than legal channels, urging the public to trust the legal process.“There is no sentiment in law,” the judge remarked. “The offenders’ use of firearms made this a grave crime, and the law is clear on its consequences.”

The case, which was tried during the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has seen no appeal or clemency applications from the convicts. Justice Falola noted that this inaction leaves the Governor as the sole authority to decide on a possible commutation of the sentence.