The governor of southwestern Osun state has promised to pardon a Nigerian man who was jailed for 10 years for stealing hens and eggs.

In 2010, 17-year-old Segun Olowookere was arrested along with his accomplice Morakinyo Sunday.

They are said to have attacked the homes of a policeman and another man using old-fashioned wooden guns and swords, but only took away poultry.

In 2014, Osun State High Court Judge Jide Falola found the two guilty of forcing their way into a police officer’s home and stealing his property and sentenced them to death by hanging.

At the time, there was an uproar across Nigeria, with many believing the sentence was too harsh.

The two were later transferred to the notorious Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State where they have been kept on death row.

In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed that Olowoke should be pardoned as it was important to protect the sanctity of life.

“I have directed the Judicial Commissioner to initiate proceedings to grant this young man the privilege of clemency.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure equity and protect the sanctity of life,” the governor posted on X.

The fate of Morakinyo Sunday, who was sentenced alongside Olowookere, is unclear as he was not named in the statement.

Olowukele’s parents, human rights groups and other Nigerians have been fighting for his release for years.

His parents recently appeared on a podcast tearfully pleading for clemency for their only child.

He is expected to be released in early 2025.

Nigeria has not carried out an execution since 2012, but more than 3,400 people are currently on death row.