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Osun State High Court Sentences Five Men to Death for Abduction and Murder of Fulani Herder
Osun State, Nigeria – On Tuesday, five men standing trial for the abduction and murder of Fulani herder Ibrahim Adamu were sentenced to death by hanging by an Osun State High Court. Adamu, who sold cows at Owode-Ede, Osun State, was abducted and later killed despite paying a ransom of ₦3 million.
The Defendants and Charges
- The defendants, Ibrahim Issa, Lateef Bello, Abdul Ramon Soliu, Bello Ibrahim, and Abudu Mumini Jolaanobi Saheed, were first arraigned on October 28, 2021, facing charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder.
- They were tried before Justice Kudirat Akano of the State High Court, sitting in Ede, under charges that contravened Sections 324, 319, and 364 of the Criminal Code Laws of Osun State.
Crime Details
- Adamu was abducted on April 17, 2018, around 7:45 pm from his residence in Owode-Ede.
- Despite the ransom payment, Adamu was killed after recognizing one of his abductors.
- The court heard that after his abduction, Adamu was moved to a secluded place in his Toyota Corolla car, where he was ultimately killed.
Trial and Evidence
- Lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Moses Faremi, detailed the abduction, ransom, and subsequent murder of Adamu.
- Investigating Police Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Taofeek, presented key exhibits, including extrajudicial statements and a mask used by the defendants.
- Taofeek testified that Adamu’s identification of one of the perpetrators led to his murder by the gang, which included three Togolese nationals yet to be arrested.
Gruesome Details
- The court heard that Abdu Mumini directed the gang to kill Adamu, taking his head and heart while Soliu took his arms.
- The remains of Adamu were dumped in the Osun River.
Defense and Judgement
- Defense counsel Mr. Bola Ige argued that the charges were not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
- Folashade Ipede of the Legal Aid Council pleaded for mercy on behalf of the defendants.
- Justice Akano found the defendants guilty on all counts and sentenced them to death by hanging.
This verdict underscores the severity with which the judiciary is treating cases of kidnapping and murder, aiming to deliver justice and deter similar crimes.
