In a landmark decision that sends a stern warning across the nation, a Kwara State High Court has handed down the ultimate penalty to two men convicted of heinous crimes. Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed will face the hangman’s noose for their involvement in a string of kidnappings and armed robberies that terrorized the region. This verdict highlights the severity of these offenses and the commitment of the Nigerian judiciary to ensuring justice for victims.
- Two men sentenced to death by hanging.
- Convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal firearm possession.
- Victim recounted demand for N100 million ransom.
- Court emphasized that the law prescribes strict punishment.
Justice Delivered: The Sentence and the Crimes
The High Court in Ilorin was the scene of a momentous judgment on Thursday, as Justice Ahmed Aliyu Gegele delivered the verdict. Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed, found guilty on six counts including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms, have been sentenced to death by hanging for the gravest charges. This severe punishment underscores the gravity of their actions, which brought terror and immense suffering to their victims.
A Victim’s Ordeal: The Ransom and Release
Central to the prosecution’s case was the harrowing testimony of the victim, Alhaji Saheed Arowasi. Hailing from Boniya in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Arowasi recounted the terrifying ordeal he endured. His kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ransom of ₦100 million. Through tense negotiations, this amount was eventually reduced to ₦10 million before his eventual release. This chilling detail paints a grim picture of the financial and emotional toll these criminal acts inflict upon innocent citizens.
The Evidence and the Plea
Justice Gegele meticulously considered all evidence presented, including statements made by both the defendants and the victim during the police investigation. The prosecution, led by Muslimah Suleiman, strongly argued that the evidence overwhelmingly proved the defendants’ guilt. However, in a bid to sway the court, the defense counsel, Shu’aib Ibrahim, pleaded for leniency. While the first defendant begged for mercy, the second defendant maintained his innocence, claiming ignorance of the charges and urging acquittal. This stark contrast in their final pleas added another layer of drama to the proceedings.
No Mercy When the Law Demands Justice
Despite the pleas from the defense, Justice Gegele remained resolute. He acknowledged the defendants’ appeals but firmly stated that the law’s prescribed punishments for such serious offenses could not be circumvented by judicial discretion. The court sentenced the men to death by hanging for armed robbery (counts one and two). Additionally, they received a 10-year imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and life imprisonment for the kidnapping charges. The judge confirmed that these sentences would be executed as per legal provisions.
The Legal Aftermath
Following the pronouncement of the sentence, the defense counsel quickly moved to secure a Certified True Copy of the ruling. This document is crucial for the defense team to thoroughly study the judgment and strategize their next legal move, which could potentially include an appeal. The case, which began on April 29, 2025, saw final addresses adopted on July 30, 2025, culminating in this definitive judgment after months of legal proceedings.
Broader Context: Crime in Nigeria
This sentencing in Kwara is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges Nigeria faces with kidnapping and armed robbery. These crimes not only threaten individual lives and livelihoods but also destabilize communities and deter investment. The government and law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with finding effective solutions to curb these violent acts. Recent reports also indicate similar crackdowns and sentences in other states, showing a national effort to combat these pervasive issues. For instance, a Nasarawa Court recently sentenced a man to death for armed robbery and culpable homicide, and the Court of Appeal confirmed death sentences for the 2018 Offa Bank Robbery, demonstrating a consistent judicial stance against violent crime.