By Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi 

The recent pardon granted by Governor Adeleke, which included 53 individuals, has sparked jubilation among inmates at custodial centres in Ilesha, Ile-Ife, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre. Among those pardoned were convicts serving various sentences, including individuals on Death Row. Notably, Segun Olowookere and his co-defendant, Sunday Morakinyo, both sentenced to death for stealing a chicken at the ages of 17 and 18, have drawn significant public attention. For over six years, the Osun and Ekiti State governors have not granted amnesty to their convicts, unlike other states. Their case gained traction following a viral video featuring Olowookere’s mother, whose heartfelt plea for help highlighted the emotional toll such situations impose on families. The public response has been mixed, with many expressing outrage over the severity of the sentence imposed on minors.

This situation prompts critical reflections on the fairness of sentencing, particularly for young offenders. It underscores a broader issue within the judicial system, where many individuals serve disproportionately harsh sentences for their crimes. The emotional appeal from Olowookere’s mother resonates with countless parents facing similar predicaments, illuminating the human aspect of legal proceedings.

A poignant case study is that of Rashidat Abdul and her family in Ekiti State, who were sentenced to death for murder, including her 17-year-old son in 2020, who was about to write his JAMB. Despite their appeal against the judgment, it was unfortunately denied, even in the face of apparent injustice. We have reached out to Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebamiji through the Ekiti State Board of Mercy, hoping to draw attention to their plight. It is disheartening to witness judges passing sentences without a sense of conscience, as many individuals in Lagos serve unjust sentences of life imprisonment or 60 years for crimes they claim they did not commit. There are cases where overwhelming evidence suggests the innocence of the accused, yet they remain incarcerated.

The major institution responsible for miscarriages of justice is often police misconduct. A significant factor contributing to these injustices is the lack of thorough investigations conducted by investigative police officers. When investigations are incomplete or biased, the evidence presented to judges and prosecutors can be flawed, leading to wrongful convictions.

Judges and prosecutors typically base their decisions on the evidence available to them. However, it is essential for judges to also consider the arguments presented by the defense counsel and the potential impact of their judgments on the defendants. A more balanced approach that takes into account both sides of the case can help ensure that justice is served and that the rights of the accused are protected.

If no one raises a voice on behalf of those individuals, they wait in vain for justice.

Governor Adeleke’s decision to pardon individuals like Matthew Ogah, who spent two decades in prison and 14 years on death row for a crime linked to personal tragedy, complicates the narrative of justice. Ogah’s declining health and the case of an elderly man who spent 15 years on death row emphasize the urgent need for reform in how the justice system addresses long-term incarceration and the death penalty. Freedom is not the only goal; safe reentry should be part of the plan. When you release a prisoner who has spent such long years behind bars to society, that individual is like a blind man who needs a guide to walk.

Addressing the Crisis of Overcrowding and Delayed Justice on Death Row

The government should take a tour of the Death Row cells in Nigeria to witness how dehumanizing the conditions are. The reason behind this is the slow justice system. Many are waiting for appeal judgments for 8 to 10 years, stagnant in their cases. Some have been waiting for Supreme Court judgments since 2014 without definite hope. A good example is the case of Friday Okoro, Tunde Adewale, Victor Akpoyibo, and others whose cases are stagnant at the higher court and should be looked into.

While some individuals have been granted a second chance, many others remain incarcerated, waiting for justice that may never come. The inconsistency in pardons—where some individuals are released while others with similar or more severe circumstances are overlooked—raises significant concerns about the criteria and processes governing clemency decisions.

For those who have received pardons, it represents a profound moment of relief and hope, enabling them to reclaim their lives and pursue a future beyond prison walls. However, for those still in limbo, the message is one of patience and resilience, even as the reality remains that not everyone will be afforded the opportunity for a pardon.

Ultimately, the concept of forgiveness transcends human systems of justice. While clemency is often limited and influenced by political factors, the idea of divine forgiveness offers a more profound and unconditional form of redemption. This contrast serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in justice and the ongoing hope for a more compassionate approach to those who have made mistakes.

The Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation (CJMR) plays a crucial role in addressing cases of wrongful conviction and advocating for justice in Nigeria. By reviewing cases where there is substantial evidence of innocence, the CJMR aims to provide a pathway for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted to seek redress.

When new evidence comes to light that undermines the validity of a conviction, it is imperative that the justice system responds appropriately. A pardon serves as a formal acknowledgment of the miscarriage of justice, allowing for the correction of errors that have led to the wrongful punishment of innocent individuals. This process not only helps to restore the dignity of those affected but also reinforces public confidence in the justice system by demonstrating a commitment to fairness and accountability.

The CJMR’s efforts are vital in ensuring that those who have suffered due to judicial errors can find hope and support in their pursuit of justice. By advocating for pardons in cases of clear innocence, the CJMR contributes to a more just society where the rights of individuals are upheld and protected.

Our operations are rooted in a scriptural foundation, as reflected in Proverbs: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 24:11-12 NLT) “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.” These powerful scriptures inspire our advocacy for those in need.

We want to thank the governors of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, and Ekiti States for listening to our voices and those amplifying our message. We wish you all a prosperous and fruitful new year.

For more details visit https://www.cjmr.com.ng

+2348030488093/ 08025782527

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