Execute all convicted bandits, kidnappers – Islamic cleric charges govt

A prominent Islamic cleric in Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulRauf Ajiboye Lagbaji, has urged governments at all levels to implement the death penalty for convicted bandits and kidnappers, asserting that individuals found guilty of such offenses should not be allowed to reintegrate into society.

Lagbaji made this statement during a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, in Akure.

The event was themed, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”

The cleric contended that reintegrating convicted criminals would only pose additional risks to society.

He specifically called upon Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the execution of those convicted in connection with the Owo church massacre.

“It is imperative for our government to carry out the death penalty on any bandit or kidnapper found guilty, as the Qur’an clearly states that anyone who intentionally kills another person should also face death.

“The government must enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that took place four years ago.

“In Islam, the Diya (blood money) for a person who has been killed is equivalent to 100 camels, which amounts to approximately N200 million per individual. Thus, our religion does not condone leniency towards anyone who commits murder. Therefore, what rationale does the government have for permitting those who perpetrate such heinous acts to return to society?

“The government must not fall into the error of believing that bandits will sincerely repent and spare them. If the government does so, Allah will not spare them in the hereafter,” he stated.

Lagbaji also urged legal practitioners to refrain from representing individuals accused of banditry or kidnapping, advocating for constitutional amendments that would mandate immediate execution for anyone convicted of such crimes.

He further called upon Muslims and other Nigerians to strive for peace, emphasizing that the essence of Ashura is to remain devoted to Allah and to foster goodwill towards others.

Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, encouraged Muslims in Ondo State to engage more actively in politics to achieve better representation in governance and public appointments.

He characterized Ashura as a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection, rather than a day of celebration, and urged Muslims to observe it with sincerity while praying for the advancement of the nation.

“Nigeria belongs to all its citizens,” he stated, encouraging Nigerians to support governmental efforts aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, voiced his concerns regarding what he termed the underrepresentation of Muslims in political appointments within the state.

He urged Islamic leaders to persist in engaging with political stakeholders to ensure equitable representation of Muslims in governance.

The Chairman of the MMPN in Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, noted that the program was organized to inspire Muslims to enhance their acts of worship, charity, fasting, and prayers while contemplating the significance of Ashura.