In a landmark judgement, an Osun State High Court has sentenced five men to death by hanging for the abduction and murder of a Fulani herder, Ibrahim Adamu. Adamu, who was selling cows at Owode-Ede, Osun State, was abducted and moved to a secluded location in his car. Despite paying a ransom of N3 million, Adamu was tragically killed after identifying one of the perpetrators of the crime.
The defendants, Ibrahim Issa, Lateef Bello, Abdul Ramon Soliu, Bello Ibrahim, and Abudu Mumini Jolaanobi Saheed, were initially arraigned before the court on October 28, 2024, on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, the lead prosecuting counsel presented evidence, including extrajudicial statements and a mask allegedly used by the defendants during the crime. It was revealed that Adamu had identified one of the perpetrators while in captivity, leading to his tragic death. One of the gang members, Abdu Mumini, directed others to slaughter the victim after realizing that he had been identified. The remains of Adamu were dumped in the Osun River.
In their defense, the defendants’ counsel argued that the charges had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt. However, the judge, Justice Kudirat Akano, found all five men guilty of the charges and sentenced them to death by hangings
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