Nigerian Court Hands Down Death Sentences for Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
Ilorin, Nigeria – A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin sentenced two men to death by hanging on Thursday for armed robbery, with additional life sentences for kidnapping and ten years for illegal possession of firearms. Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed were found guilty of multiple charges stemming from a kidnapping case that gripped the Baruten Local Government Area.
The court heard testimony from Alhaji Saheed Arowasi, the victim, who stated the kidnappers initially demanded a N100 million (approximately $66,000 USD based on current exchange rates) ransom, later reduced to N10 million (approximately $6,600 USD) before his release.
Justice Ahmed Aliyu Gegele, delivering the judgment, stated the evidence presented clearly established the defendants’ involvement in the crimes. He noted that statements given by both the suspects and the victim to police were central to the trial.
The defendants faced six charges in total, including criminal conspiracy. Before the sentencing, both were given the opportunity to plead for leniency. While Sodiki requested mercy, Mohammed maintained his innocence. Justice Gegele emphasized that the law’s prescribed punishments must be upheld, regardless of appeals for discretion.
Prosecution counsel, Muslimah Suleiman, successfully argued that the charges were proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense, led by Shu’aib Ibrahim, had requested mercy for their clients.
The case began in April 2025 and concluded with closing arguments in July 2025. Following the ruling, the defense team requested a certified copy of the judgment to consider their next steps, potentially including an appeal.
This sentencing comes amid ongoing concerns about banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. According to recent data from the Council on Foreign Relations, Nigeria faces a complex security landscape with multiple armed groups operating across the country, impacting civilian populations and hindering economic development. The severity of the sentences reflects the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing these crimes.
AllAfrica.com reported on the sentencing.
