Court Sentences Five Kidnappers to Death by Hanging in Osun

Ede, Osun — An Osun State High Court sitting in Ede has convicted and sentenced five men to death by hanging for the kidnapping and murder of Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu, a Fulani herder, in a case that has drawn attention to the brutal realities of kidnapping in Nigeria.

Justice Kudirat Akano delivered the judgment on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, finding the convicts guilty on charges including conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, conspiracy to murder, and murder.

The convicts are:
• Ibrahim Issa (also referred to as Ibrahim Isa or Issa Ibrahim)

• Lateef Bello

• Abdul Rahman Saliu (or AbdulRamon Soliu / Abdul Ramon Soliu)

• Bello Ibrahim

• Abudu Mumini (or AbuduMumini Saheed / Jolaanabi Saheed)

The incident occurred on April 17, 2018, around 7:45 p.m. in Owode-Ede, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State.

The kidnappers abducted Alhaji Adamu from his home and took him away in his Toyota Corolla.

Prosecutors from the Osun State Ministry of Justice, led by Faremi Moses, presented evidence that the family paid a ₦3 million ransom.

Despite receiving the payment, the kidnappers killed Adamu, as reports indicate the victim was murdered after he reportedly identified one of the perpetrators.

The five men were arraigned on October 28, 2021, and pleaded not guilty. The trial spanned several years, with the prosecution establishing their guilt through witness testimonies and evidence.

Justice Akano sentenced each convict to:
• Death by hanging for the murder charge.

• 14 years imprisonment each for conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, and conspiracy to murder.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

One additional suspect, identified in some reports as linked to the group, was acquitted.

The judgment has been welcomed by many as a strong deterrent against the persistent threat of kidnapping across Nigeria, where cases often involve ransom demands followed by violence.

This ruling comes amid broader discussions in some states about imposing or enforcing the death penalty for such crimes.

This sentencing serves as a reminder of the justice system’s resolve in tackling violent crime, even years after the offense.