The recent intervention by Governor Ademola Adeleke in the case of Segun Olowookere, a young man sentenced to death for stealing a chicken, sheds light on a systemic issue in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Arrested at the age of 17 in 2010 and sentenced to death in 2014, Segun has spent over a decade in Kirikiri Correctional Centre, a place far from the ideals of rehabilitation and healing.
Governor Adeleke’s proactive response to Segun’s plight is commendable. His directive for a thorough investigation and potential use of the prerogative of mercy is a beacon of hope, not only for Segun but also for many other forgotten individuals languishing in correctional facilities across Nigeria.
As the National Youth Coordinator of the Prison Fellowship Nigeria Youth Wing, I was deeply moved when I first encountered Segun’s story. It reflects the grave misuse of power and inefficiencies within our justice system. Too often, the justice system is wielded as a tool for vengeance rather than a mechanism for restoration. Cases like Segun’s highlight the urgent need for reforms in how justice is administered in Nigeria.
Correctional Centers: A Place of Rehabilitation or Ruination?
The essence of correctional facilities should be reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. Unfortunately, the current reality paints a starkly different picture. Correctional centers have become breeding grounds for hardened criminals, rather than sanctuaries for transformation. Young, impressionable individuals like Segun often emerge from these facilities worse off, embittered by wasted years and exposed to hardened criminal influences.
This is why we urgently advocate for the establishment of rehabilitation homes across the country. Such facilities would provide emotional healing, counseling, and skill acquisition for young offenders, separating them from more dangerous inmates. This approach would help in truly restoring lives and reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
A Call for Holistic Youth-Focused Policies
The Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice must reevaluate how justice is dispensed, ensuring that cases like Segun’s are carefully reviewed. Moreover, the Ministry of Youths must champion deliberate, impactful programs that prioritize the well-being and development of young people over political gains.
Segun’s story is a wake-up call for all Nigerians. It reminds us that unchecked misuse of the justice system perpetuates cycles of pain and hardship. As leaders and citizens, we must ensure that the justice system serves as a channel for restoration, not retribution.
The Role of Civil Society in Depopulating Correctional Centers
Civil society organizations, like Prison Fellowship Nigeria, play a vital role in advocating for justice and the rights of inmates. As the National Youth Coordinator of Prison Fellowship Nigeria, I urge all Nigerians to report cases of unjust sentencing or imprisonment to organizations that can intervene.
Our mission is to restore justice, provide emotional healing, and advocate for systemic reforms. Together, we can challenge the misuse of power and create a justice system that serves all Nigerians.
Youth Empowerment: A Solution to Criminality
The Ministry of Youths must shift its focus to deliberate, impactful programs that address the root causes of youth involvement in crime. Skill acquisition programs, mentorship initiatives, and psychological support systems are essential for empowering Nigeria’s youth and preventing crime.
Programs must move beyond political tokenism and genuinely invest in the future of our young people. By addressing these issues, we can prevent stories like Segun Olowookere’s from becoming a recurring narrative.
A Call to Action
The story of Segun Olowookere is a call to action for every Nigerian. Our justice system must serve as a channel for fairness and restoration. Leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens must work together to address systemic flaws, advocate for those unjustly incarcerated, and create a society.
I urge Nigerians to come forward with similar cases of injustice for our organization, Prison Fellowship Nigeria, to investigate. Together, we can bring light to these dark corners of our justice system and advocate for a fairer, more equitable society.
To learn more about Prison Fellowship Nigeria and how you can get involved, visit our website at www.prisonfellowshipnigeria.org.
Governor Adeleke’s action is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. Let us all join hands to ensure justice, equity, and true rehabilitation for the youth of this nation.
Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi, National Youth Coordinator, Prison Fellowship Nigeria.
