Sh*ck Move: Makinde Government Demands Death Penalty For Oriire Kidnapping Convicts

The Oyo State Government has expressed disappointment over the life imprisonment imposed on three individuals convicted in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the sentence as inadequate for the gravity of the offence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The government maintained that it had expected the convicts to receive the death penalty but said it would respect the court’s decision and would not file an appeal.

Speaking during a radio programme in Ibadan on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, reacted to the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court had sentenced the three convicts to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of concealing information about those responsible for the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Commenting on the verdict, Oyelade described the sentence as “cold comfort,” arguing that it failed to match the severity of the crime and the suffering inflicted on the victims, their families and the people of Oyo State.

“We expected capital punishment for the convicts, as that would better reflect the gravity of abducting innocent schoolchildren and teachers,” he said.

The commissioner argued that those who deliberately withheld information about the kidnappers played a significant role in the crime and should not be viewed differently from those who carried out the abduction.

“It is myopic for anyone to try to create a wedge between the crime of concealment committed by these people and those who actually perpetrated the crime. They are one and the same,” Oyelade stated.

Despite its dissatisfaction with the sentence, the state government said it would abide by the court’s ruling.

“The government will not be appealing the judgment. While we have our reservations, we respect what the law has said,” the commissioner added.

Oyelade, however, commended the Federal High Court for the speedy handling of the case, describing the timely conclusion of the trial as a positive development for Nigeria’s justice system.

He noted that the judgment demonstrated that cases involving serious criminal offences could be concluded without unnecessary delays.

Calls for Tougher Anti-Kidnapping Laws

The commissioner also called for a review of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism and other criminal laws to ensure they adequately address kidnapping, terrorism and other evolving security threats.

According to him, stronger legislation, backed by swift prosecution and effective enforcement, would serve as a stronger deterrent against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to improving security around schools and ensuring the safety of pupils, teachers and other members of the public.