Ex-convict rearrested 8 days after Adeleke's pardon for stealing TV in Osun

Barely eight days after receiving a state pardon from Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, an ex-convict, Sunday Omisakin, has been rearrested for burglary and theft. Omisakin, who was number 8 on the list of inmates granted pardon on December 24, 2024, is now facing fresh criminal charges for stealing a plasma television worth ₦600,000.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 3, 2025, in the Iludun area of Osogbo, where Omisakin allegedly broke into the residence of Shittu Damilare to steal the plasma TV. The case, which has since drawn public attention, was brought before the Osogbo Chief Magistrates' Court.

According to the charge sheet, COUNT I reads: “That you, Adebayo Omisakin Sunday ‘m’, on the 3rd day of January 2025 at about 12:00 pm at the Al-Medinat Area, Iludun, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did break and enter the house of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’ and steal one plasma TV valued at the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (₦600,000:00k) only.”

COUNT II similarly states: “That you, Adebayo Omisakin Sunday ‘m’, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal one plasma TV valued at the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (₦600,000:00k) only, property of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’.”

The offences are said to contravene Sections 411(1)(2) and 383 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 Vol. II, and are punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Osun State, 2002.

When Omisakin was arraigned on January 7, 2025, he applied for bail. However, Magistrate A. Adeyeba adjourned the matter till January 10 for a ruling on the bail application. In his ruling, Prosecutor Kayode Adeoye argued for his remand, stating:

"The defendant has shown a disregard for the pardon granted to him by the state governor, returning to crime barely days after his release. This undermines the purpose of the governor's goodwill.”

Consequently, Magistrate Adeyeba ordered that Omisakin be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre.

This development has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some questioning the effectiveness of state pardons. "It is disappointing to see someone who was just pardoned reoffend so soon. It shows that rehabilitation efforts need to be strengthened," said a community leader, who wished to remain anonymous.

Governor Adeleke’s recent executive pardon had been part of his administration’s efforts to decongest prisons and reintegrate inmates back into society. However, cases like Omisakin’s have raised concerns about the vetting process for such pardons.