Small Thieves And Big Consequences: The Stark Reality Of Justice In Nigeria -By Isaac Asabor

The harrowing story of Segun Olowookere, a teenager sentenced to death for allegedly stealing a fowl in Osun State, serves as a grim reflection of the systemic failures in Nigeria’s justice system. It evokes African China’s timeless song, “Mr. President,” where the artist poignantly decried a system that punishes small thieves while allowing big thieves to roam freely. This narrative underscores the disparities and dysfunction that have plagued Nigeria’s legal framework for decades. Not only that, it finds expression in Jonathan Swift’s saying that “Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.”

In 2010, at just 17 years old, Segun Olowookere’s life took a tragic turn. Arrested for the alleged theft of a chicken and eggs, he was subjected to the harshest punishment imaginable: a death sentence. His parents, Olowookere Olarenwaju and Folashade, have spent over a decade navigating a torturous legal system in a bid to exonerate their son, enduring relentless court battles, public humiliation, and the unimaginable pain of seeing their only child condemned.

The story began innocuously enough. Segun, who had just completed secondary school and was preparing to start university, was accused alongside a group of boys in his community. The allegations claimed they had stolen a fowl and eggs, but Segun maintained his innocence, pointing out that he did not even eat chicken as his family owned a poultry. His refusal to flee when advised to do so by his parents reflects the naïveté of a young man who believed that his innocence would protect him. Tragically, he underestimated the systemic rot he was up against.

Segun’s father recalls the day of the arrest vividly. Policemen arrived in the community, firing shots into the air and rounding up young boys. Segun was later taken into custody, and the family’s ordeal truly began. Upon reaching the police station, Segun’s parents were met with a demand from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for a bribe of ₦30,000 to secure his release. Despite their limited resources, they managed to gather ₦20,000, but the DPO refused to budge, insisting on the full amount. “He said he had no child and no reason to be merciful,” Segun’s father lamented.

This heartbreaking interaction underscores a pervasive issue in Nigeria’s law enforcement, justice often hinges not on truth or evidence, but on one’s ability to pay. The inability to meet the DPO’s demands sealed Segun’s fate, setting him on a path toward a flawed judicial process that would ultimately condemn him to death.

The police’s handling of Segun’s case was riddled with irregularities. According to his father, the officers staged photographs of Segun and other accused boys alongside weapons, including a hunter’s gun retrieved from another boy’s home. These fabricated images were used to bolster their case, painting the boys as violent criminals rather than the innocent teenagers they were.

Even more egregious was the manipulation of Segun’s age. Although he was 17 at the time of the incident, police and prosecutors argued that he was an adult, stripping him of the legal protections afforded to minors. This deliberate falsification ensured that Segun faced the harshest penalties under the law, including a death sentence.

Segun’s case exemplifies the corruption and inequities that plague Nigeria’s justice system. For the poor and marginalized, justice is often inaccessible, while the wealthy and well-connected navigate the system with impunity. Segun’s parents’ attempts to seek redress were met with indifference and hostility. Politicians they approached for help were either unwilling or unable to intervene meaningfully. Even the relative who owned the chicken and eggs allegedly stolen by Segun affirmed his innocence but refused to take decisive action to exonerate him.

Such cases are not uncommon in Nigeria. Petty offenders, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, bear the brunt of the law’s severity, while those guilty of grand-scale corruption and embezzlement escape unscathed. It is a paradox that raises critical questions about the integrity of the nation’s judicial and law enforcement institutions.

Over a decade has passed since Segun’s arrest, yet his parents’ fight for justice continues. Court appearances have been marred by delays, with judges citing the absence of the complainant as a reason to postpone proceedings. Meanwhile, Segun remains incarcerated, his youth wasted in a prison cell for a crime he insists he did not commit.

The psychological toll on Segun’s parents is immeasurable. Their lives have been consumed by a relentless pursuit of justice, their resources depleted by legal fees and travel expenses. Yet, they remain resolute, fueled by a prophecy from a cleric who predicted that Segun’s battle would eventually end in victory. Their unwavering faith and determination are a testament to the enduring power of parental love and hope.

Segun’s story is not just a personal tragedy; it is a microcosm of broader societal issues. It forces us to confront the systemic inequalities that define Nigeria’s justice system, where the scales are tipped heavily against the poor. It also highlights the urgent need for reform in law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure that justice is truly blind, not influenced by wealth, status, or connections.

This case also brings to mind the lyrics of African China’s “Mr. President”: “Poor man wey thief maggi, dem go show im face for crime fighter. Rich man wey thief money, we nor dey see their face for crime fighter.” These words resonate deeply in a country where petty crimes are met with disproportionate punishment, while grand corruption goes largely unchecked.

To prevent future tragedies like Segun’s, systemic reform is imperative. First, law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for their actions. This includes implementing stringent oversight mechanisms to curb corruption and abuse of power. Policemen who demand bribes or fabricate evidence must face severe consequences to deter such behavior.

Second, the judicial process must be overhauled to ensure fairness and transparency. Cases involving minors must be handled with the utmost care, respecting their rights and adhering to the principle of proportionality in sentencing. Additionally, efforts should be made to reduce delays in court proceedings, which often prolong the suffering of defendants and their families.

Finally, there must be a cultural shift in how Nigerians perceive and respond to injustice. Civil society organizations, activists, and the media have a crucial role to play in amplifying the voices of the marginalized and holding authorities accountable. Public outrage and sustained advocacy can compel policymakers to prioritize justice reform and address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate stories like Segun’s.

Segun Olowookere’s case should serve as a rallying cry for all Nigerians to demand a more equitable justice system. It is a stark reminder that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. As a society, we must confront the uncomfortable truths about our legal and law enforcement systems and work collectively to build a nation where justice is not a privilege but a right for all.

Segun’s parents continue to hope for a day when their son’s innocence will be recognized, and he will finally walk free. Their resilience is a beacon of hope, reminding us that while the wheels of justice may turn slowly, they must ultimately turn toward truth and fairness.

Segun’s story is a painful indictment of a system that has failed its people. It is a story of resilience, faith, and the enduring hope for a better tomorrow. But most importantly, it is a call to action, a reminder that the fight for justice is one we must all undertake, not just for Segun but for every Nigerian who has been denied their basic rights. Until we address these systemic flaws, Nigeria will remain a land where the small thief pays with his life, and the big thief celebrates with impunity. Let Segun’s plight be the catalyst for change, not just another tragic tale in the annals of injustice.