Ondo Sheikh Urges Death Sentence for Banditry, Kidnapping Convicts

Sheikh AbdulRauf Lagbaji, an Islamic cleric based in Ondo State and the founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, has strongly advocated for the imposition of the death penalty on individuals found guilty of banditry and kidnapping. He emphasized that the escalating security challenges nationwide necessitate decisive governmental action. Speaking at the Ashura Day celebration, an event organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria's Ondo State chapter in Akure on Thursday, Lagbaji also called for an end to the policy of reintegrating so-called repentant bandits into society, arguing that such measures inadvertently foster rather than deter criminal activities.

A copy of his lecture, titled “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”, was made available to journalists on Sunday. According to Sheikh Lagbaji, allowing convicted criminals back into communities only exposes law-abiding citizens to further risks. He specifically appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that those convicted for the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo face execution.

“It is time for our government to execute any bandit or kidnapper found guilty because the Qur’an makes it clear that whoever knowingly kills another person should also be put to death,” Lagbaji stated. He added, “The government needs to 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, which is about N200 million per person. Therefore, our religion does not permit the pampering of anyone who kills.”

Questioning the rationale behind allowing perpetrators of such atrocities to return to society, the cleric warned, “So, what justification does the government have for allowing those who commit such atrocities to return to society? The government must not make the mistake of believing that bandits will genuinely repent and spare them. If the government does so, Allah will not spare them in the hereafter.” He further urged lawyers to refrain from representing or defending individuals accused of banditry or kidnapping, advocating for a constitutional amendment to ensure swift execution for those convicted of these offenses. Lagbaji concluded by calling on Muslims and other Nigerians to strive for peaceful coexistence, highlighting that Ashura's core message is devotion to Allah and maintaining good intentions towards others.

In related remarks at the event, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, encouraged Muslims to increase their involvement in politics to gain better representation in governance. He believes that greater political participation would enable Muslims to make more significant contributions to governance and improve their chances of securing both elective and appointive positions. Yayi-Akorede also lauded the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria for orchestrating the event, describing it as an avenue for enlightenment and spiritual introspection. He clarified that Ashura is a day for fasting and devotion, not celebration, urging Muslims to observe it with solemnity. “Ashura is a significant day that Muslims should remember and observe with prayers, particularly for future generations and the progress of the nation,” he emphasized.

Prince Leke Adegbite, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council, expressed his concerns regarding the perceived marginalization of Muslims in political appointments within the state. He observed that despite a substantial Muslim population in Ondo State, adherents of the faith remain underrepresented in crucial government roles. Adegbite urged Islamic leaders to maintain dialogue with political figures to advocate for equitable representation.

Earlier, Mallam Jubril Bada, the Chairman of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria in Ondo State, explained that the programme was designed to encourage Muslims to intensify their acts of worship, charity, fasting, and prayers. He also appealed to followers of Islam to embrace patience, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, identifying these as enduring lessons derived from Ashura.