Two Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping in Kwara

Death Sentences for Two Men in Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Case

A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has handed down death sentences to two men, Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed, for their involvement in a kidnapping and armed robbery case in Baruten Local Government Area. The court found the defendants guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms.

Convictions and Legal Proceedings

The prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, according to Justice Ahmed Aliyu Gegele, who presided over the trial. The evidence presented before the court clearly demonstrated the defendants’ involvement in the crimes. The charges against them were based on a six-count indictment that outlined their alleged actions.

According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired to abduct a victim and hold him hostage while demanding a ransom. The victim, Alhaji Saheed Arowasi from Boniya community in Baruten, provided testimony during the trial about his experience at the hands of the kidnappers.

Arowasi stated that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million as ransom but later agreed to accept N10 million after negotiations. He was eventually released following these discussions.

Defense Arguments and Court Ruling

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Muslimah Suleiman, emphasized that the charges against the defendants were well-supported by the evidence. Before the sentencing, the court gave the defendants an opportunity to make their allocutus.

Shu’aib Ibrahim, counsel for the first defendant, pleaded with the court to show mercy and temper justice with compassion. The first defendant requested leniency, while the second defendant, represented by Barrister M.U Mustapha, denied any knowledge of the allegations and asked the court to acquit him.

Despite these pleas, the prosecution informed the court that it had no information about any prior criminal records involving the defendants. In his ruling, Justice Gegele acknowledged the defense arguments but stressed that the law left no room for discretion in this case.

Sentencing Details

The court sentenced the defendants to death by hanging for the charges of armed robbery under counts one and two. Additionally, they received life imprisonment for the offense of kidnapping. For the charge of illegal possession of firearms, the court imposed a 10-year prison sentence.

Justice Gegele ordered that all sentences be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Post-Judgment Reactions and Case Timeline

Following the judgment, Shu’aib Ibrahim, counsel for the first defendant, requested the court to provide a certified copy of the judgment so that the defense could review it and determine the next course of action.

The case began on April 29, 2025, and concluded with final addresses being delivered on July 30, 2025, before the court announced its verdict on Thursday.