The family of Sunday Morakinyo, an Osun indigene recently pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that he returned home with a severe mental disorder.

This is as the family is now appealing to the government and charitable individuals for help in his rehabilitation.

DAILY POST recalled that Sunday Morakinyo and Segun Olowookere were arraigned on January 30, 2013, at the Osun State High Court in Ikirun on charges of conspiracy, robbery, and theft.

Prosecutors alleged they conspired to rob one Oguntade Faramade of chickens and eggs worth ₦20,000.

On December 17, 2014, Justice Jide Falola sentenced both men to death for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, and stealing.

Despite their protests of innocence, they were imprisoned at the Ilesa Correctional Centre.

The duo were earlier arrested in Oyan town, Odo-Otin local government council area of Osun State.

It was gathered that Morakinyo was reportedly in stable health before his arrest by the police in November 2010

The case which trended and generated public outcry in late 2024 was due to Olowookere’s parents who insisted that their son was not an armed robber.

Also, the development caught the attention of Governor Adeleke of Osun State who intervened and directed the state’s Attorney General to review the case and seek out ways of granting pardon to them.

Upon his release, Morakinyo returned home exhibiting signs of mental illness, which his family claimed began during his detention.

Olowookere, in an interview, alleged that Morakinyo’s condition resulted from severe torture they endured at the Okuku Police Division.

He said, “Sunday wasn’t mentally unstable before the arrest. His condition is due to what we suffered in police custody.”

Speaking to reporters, Morakinyo’s uncle, Ojo Olaide, confirmed the family’s concerns and denied any prior history of mental illness.

“Nothing was wrong with him before the arrest. The police accused him of a crime he didn’t commit,” he stated.

Olaide also criticised the police for fabricating confessions attributed to Morakinyo and Olowookere.

“The so-called statements of confession were not written by them. The police framed our children,” he alleged.

Recounting how the arrest escalated, he said, “Sunday was arrested at the market while Segun was taken from his father’s shop. Initially, we planned to pay bail but our children insisted they were innocent.”

Olaide noted that signs of Morakinyo’s mental decline became apparent during his time at the correctional centre.

“He was severely tortured, and it affected his mind. When I visited, he didn’t even recognise me,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Adeleke for the pardon and called for further support.

“We thank the governor for his kindness but we need help to treat Sunday and rehabilitate him,” Olaide said.

The family plans to take Morakinyo for medical treatment soon and urged well-meaning Nigerians to assist.

“We are preparing to take him to the hospital on Monday,” Olaide added.

Sunday Morakinyo: Police torture caused our son’s mental illness – Family