Execute All Convicted Bandits, Kidnappers — Islamic Cleric Charges Govt

A prominent Islamic cleric in Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulRauf Ajiboye Lagbaji, has called on governments at all levels to enforce the death penalty against convicted bandits and kidnappers, insisting that those found guilty of such crimes should not be allowed to return to society.

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

The lecture, themed “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”, focused on security, justice and peaceful coexistence.

The cleric argued that allowing convicted criminals to reintegrate into society poses a continued threat to public safety and national security.

He specifically appealed to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that individuals convicted in connection with the Owo church massacre are executed in accordance with the law.

According to him, Islamic teachings prescribe capital punishment for anyone found guilty of intentionally taking another person’s life.

“It is imperative for our government to carry out the death penalty on any bandit or kidnapper found guilty,” he said.

Lagbaji also referred to the Islamic concept of Diya (blood money), explaining that compensation for the unlawful killing of a person is substantial, stressing that Islam does not encourage leniency towards murderers.

He maintained that governments should not rely on claims of repentance from convicted bandits and terrorists, warning that such expectations could prove costly.

The cleric further urged legal practitioners to refrain from defending individuals accused of banditry and kidnapping and advocated constitutional amendments that would provide for immediate execution upon conviction for such offences.

Despite his strong stance on criminal punishment, Lagbaji encouraged Muslims and Nigerians generally to embrace peace, explaining that Ashura remains a period of fasting, worship, charity and renewed commitment to righteous living.

Also speaking at the event, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged Muslims to become more actively involved in politics in order to improve their representation in governance and public appointments.

He described Ashura as a day for prayer, fasting and spiritual reflection rather than celebration and called on Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and progress.

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

He urged Islamic leaders to continue engaging political stakeholders to promote fairness and inclusiveness.

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