Execute convicted kidnappers, bandits — Islamic cleric urges govt

Against the backdrop of rising insecurity across the country, a renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh AbdulRauf Ajiboye Lagbaji, has called on governments at all levels to stop showing leniency to convicted kidnappers and bandits, insisting that anyone found guilty of such offences should be executed in accordance with the law.

Lagbaji made the call while delivering a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, held in Akure. He maintained that anyone found guilty of kidnapping should not be reintegrated into society.

Speaking on the theme, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”, the cleric argued that allowing convicted violent criminals to return to society would only expose innocent citizens to further danger.

He specifically urged Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, to ensure the enforcement of the death sentence on those convicted over the Owo Catholic Church massacre.

According to him, the Qur’an prescribes capital punishment for anyone who intentionally takes another person’s life, stressing that the government should not hesitate to enforce the law against convicted terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits.

He said: “It is time for the government to execute any bandit or kidnapper found guilty. The Qur’an makes it clear that whoever knowingly kills another person should also be put to death.

“The government should also enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that occurred four years ago.

“In Islam, Diya (blood money) for a person killed is equivalent to 100 camels, estimated at about N200 million per victim. Therefore, our religion does not permit the pampering of anyone who kills.

ALSO READ: Concerns over high cost of petrol

“What justification does the government have for allowing those who commit such atrocities to return to society? If the government believes bandits will genuinely repent and spare them, Allah will not spare such leaders in the hereafter.”

Lagbaji also appealed to legal practitioners to refrain from defending persons involved in kidnapping and banditry, while calling for constitutional amendments that would allow the immediate execution of anyone convicted of such offences.

He further urged Muslims and other Nigerians to embrace peace, noting that the essence of Ashura is unwavering devotion to Allah and maintaining goodwill towards fellow human beings.

Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged Muslims in Ondo State to become more actively involved in politics to enhance their participation in governance and improve their chances of securing elective and appointive positions.

He said active political participation would ensure greater representation of Muslims in government and decision-making processes.

The Grand Imam described Ashura as a period of fasting, devotion, and spiritual reflection rather than celebration, urging Muslims to observe the day with sincerity and prayers for the peace, unity, and development of Nigeria.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. We must continue to support the government at all levels in addressing the nation’s challenges,” he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in the state.

He noted that despite the sizeable Muslim population in Ondo State, adherents of the faith remained underrepresented in key government positions, urging Islamic leaders to continue engaging political leaders on the need for fair representation.

Earlier, the Chairman of MMPN in Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the annual Ashura programme was organised to encourage Muslims to increase acts of worship, charity, fasting, and prayers.

He called on Muslims to embrace patience, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, describing them as key lessons of Ashura.

Bada also urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace and harmony in their communities, stressing the need for future elections to be conducted in an atmosphere free of violence, hatred, and division.