Two Men Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping in Kwara

A High Court in Kwara State, located in Ilorin, has sentenced two men to death by hanging on Thursday for their involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery within the Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

The two convicts, Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed, were found guilty of a six-count charge that included criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and the unlawful possession of firearms.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Ahmed Aliyu Gegele stated that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt, affirming that evidence presented in court corroborated the defendants' participation in the crimes.

The court was informed by the prosecution that the accused had plotted to kidnap a victim, whom they subsequently held for ransom.

During the trial, Alhaji Saheed Arowasi from the Boniya community in Baruten Local Government Area recounted his harrowing experience at the hands of his captors.

Arowasi testified that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million but later settled for N10 million after negotiations which led to his eventual release.

Prosecution counsel, Muslimah Suleiman, contended that the charges against the defendants were adequately supported by the evidence presented to the court.

Prior to the sentencing, the court allowed the defendants the opportunity to speak in their defense.

Shu’aib Ibrahim, the lawyer representing the first convict, urged the judge for clemency. In contrast, the second convict denied any involvement in the alleged crimes and requested the court to acquit him.

This convict was represented by Barrister M.U Mustapha.

The prosecution maintained that there were no known prior criminal records for the defendants.

Judge Gegele indicated that while he considered the defense's pleas, the judicial system mandated specific penalties for the crimes committed.

Consequently, the court sentenced both men to death by hanging on counts one and two concerning armed robbery.

For their wrongdoing related to kidnapping, they received life imprisonment sentences.

In addition, they were handed a 10-year prison term for possessing firearms unlawfully.

The judge directed that the sentences be enforced according to legal provisions.

Following the ruling, Shu’aib Ibrahim, representing the first convict, requested a certified copy of the judgment to review the details for potential further action.

The trial, which began on April 29, 2025, concluded with the final addresses given on July 30, 2025, leading up to the sentencing on Thursday.