An ex-convict, Sunday Omisakin, has been remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre in Osun State, just eight days after receiving a state pardon from Governor Ademola Adeleke. The incident has sparked concern about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for pardoned inmates and the potential risks of recidivism.

Omisakin, who was on the list of 53 inmates pardoned by the governor on December 26, 2024, was accused of burglarizing a residence in Osogbo on January 3, 2025. He allegedly stole a plasma television worth ₦600,000. Following the incident, he was apprehended by the police and charged with burglary and stealing.

The case was brought before a Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo, where Magistrate Adekanmi Adeyeba presided over the matter. The court heard that Omisakin had unlawfully entered a private residence with the intent to steal. During the investigation, the stolen television was reportedly recovered.

Omisakin pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his defense counsel, Najite Okobe, requested that he be granted bail on liberal terms. However, the police prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye, opposed the bail, citing Omisakin’s recent pardon and his previous conviction. The prosecutor also emphasized that Omisakin had not yet completed his sentence for the earlier conviction.

The court ordered that Omisakin be remanded at the correctional facility pending further legal proceedings. His case has been adjourned to a later date for hearing.

This incident raises serious questions about the reintegration of pardoned ex-convicts into society. Human rights organizations, including the Osun State chapter of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), have called for urgent measures to address the rehabilitation of inmates and prevent further criminal activity. The CDHR’s Chairman, Emmanuel Olowu, has urged Nigerians to pressure the Adeleke administration to take immediate action to rehabilitate those recently pardoned.

This case highlights the challenges faced in reintegrating former offenders and emphasizes the importance of effective rehabilitation programs to prevent recidivism.