By Mo. Hanif
In a startling turn of events, a former inmate granted a state pardon by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has found himself back behind bars barely eight days after his release.
Sunday Omisakin, who was listed as number eight on the governor’s prerogative of mercy list signed on December 26, 2024, was pardoned for what was described as a minor offence. However, his second chance at freedom took an unexpected twist when he was arrested on January 3, 2025, for allegedly breaking into a residence in Osogbo and stealing a plasma television valued at N600,000.
The 28-year-old, who had barely settled into life outside prison walls, now faces charges of burglary and theft. According to police sources, Omisakin was apprehended after the victim of the burglary raised an alarm, leading to a swift investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with many questioning the effectiveness of state pardons and the rehabilitation process for inmates. Critics argue that the system must do more to ensure released convicts are adequately reintegrated into society to prevent recidivism.
Omisakin has since been remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Facility, awaiting trial. The development has cast a shadow over the recently signed clemency list and raised concerns about the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries of the governor’s mercy.
Governor Adeleke’s prerogative of mercy program, which sought to offer a second chance to deserving inmates, has now become a subject of debate. While some support the initiative as a pathway to rehabilitation, others call for stricter monitoring and follow-up measures for pardoned individuals.
The Osun State government is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, Omisakin’s actions have brought the spotlight back on the challenges of ex-convict rehabilitation and the need for a more robust support system to aid their reintegration into society.
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