A controversial‏ social media celebrity, VeryDarkMan says Nigeria's judicial system is "gone" after viral reports emerged that a teenager was sentenced to life imprisonment for stealing a fowl.

The social media influencer in a post on his Instagram page also called for the dismissal of the judge who handed the sentence asking about the worth of chickens to human life.

"A young man was sentenced to kpai (death) by hanging in Osun state for stealing chicken and its eggs, our judiciary is gone, the Judge should be sacked and his license should be withdrawn, what is the worth of chickens to the life of a man," he wrote in the post.

Since the viral report, Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke has intervened in the situation, directing the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to take a look at the severity of the punishment following the public outcry that has trailed it.

In the statement, released on Tuesday, December 17, by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to investigate the case and initiate the process for granting the teenager clemency before the end of the year.

“I have received the report of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl.

“Consequently, I have directed the Attorney General to commence a full investigation and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man," Adeleke wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Governor emphasized that Osun State is committed to justice and equity.

“We must ensure fairness and protect the sanctity of lives. This matter is receiving my direct attention, and urgency is attached to our response,” he assured.