Cleric Calls for Execution of Convicted Bandits in Nigeria

During a lecture delivered on Ashura Day organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in Akure, Ondo State, Cleric Lagbaji urged the government to execute convicted bandits and kidnappers immediately. He called for amendments to relevant constitutional provisions to ensure that anyone found guilty of banditry or similar violent crimes faces the death penalty without delay.

Lagbaji warned that leniency towards convicted criminals could worsen insecurity across the country. He specifically referenced the Owo church massacre that occurred four years ago, stating that the government must enforce the death penalty for heinous crimes.

He also highlighted the Islamic principle of blood money, equating the life of a person to 100 camels or N200 million, asserting that the religion does not permit leniency towards those who kill. Additionally, he encouraged Nigerian Muslims to embrace the lessons of Ashura, promoting peace and loyalty to Allah, and urged greater political participation to improve security.