Rita Odafe
A herdsman named Issa Ibrahim and four others have been sentenced to death for the kidnapping and killing of Issa’s father, Adamu Ibrahim, despite receiving a ransom of three million naira.
The Osun State High Court in Ede found Issa Ibrahim, Lateef Bello, Abdulrahmon Soliu, Bello Ibrahim, and Jolaanabi Saheed guilty. Jolaanabi’s mother, Ajibola Saheed, was initially charged but later cleared of the crimes.
The defendants were accused of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder. Although they pleaded not guilty, the prosecution, represented by Moses Faremi from the Osun State Ministry of Justice, presented three witnesses, including two of the victim’s sons and a police officer. Critical evidence included a stool and a club recovered from Jolaanabi’s residence, where Adamu Ibrahim was held after being abducted on April 17, 2017.
Reportedly, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 10 million naira, which was later reduced to 3 million naira, and was paid in Sagamu, Ogun State. While in captivity, Adamu Ibrahim recognized his captors when his facial covering slipped, leading to his murder and dismemberment by the kidnappers, who disposed of his body parts in the Osun River.
Issa Ibrahim, the victim’s son, allegedly masterminded the abduction, citing his father’s refusal to give him his inheritance, and incited the group to abduct him for ransom.
Despite the defense’s denial and presentation of a no-case argument, Justice Kudirat Akano ruled that the prosecution had provided enough evidence to prove the charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder through confessions and witness testimonies.
As a result, Justice Akano sentenced the defendants to 14 years in prison for conspiracy, 14 years for kidnapping, and death for murder, with all sentences to be served concurrently.
