Two Men Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping in Kwara

On July 30, 2025, the Ilorin Kwara State High Court sentenced two men, Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Moham, to death by hanging for their involvement in a kidnapping case. They faced six counts, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms.

The victim, Alhaji Sahe Arowasi, testified about his ordeal, stating that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, which was later negotiated down to N10 million for his release. Justice Ahm Aliyu Gegel presided over the case, noting that the evidence clearly established the defendants' involvement in the offenses.

The court also sentenced the defendants to 10 years for the kidnapping offense and life imprisonment for the armed robbery charge. During sentencing, the defense counsel, Shu Aib Ibrahim, pleaded for leniency, while the prosecution, represented by Muslimah Suleiman, argued that sufficient evidence was presented.

The court ruled that it could not exercise discretion as the law prescribes the punishment for the offenses.