Islamic cleric urges governments to execute convicted bandits and kidnappers, rejecting reintegration and calling for constitutional reforms.
- +Islamic Cleric Urges Execution Of Convicted Bandits, Kidnappers
A prominent Islamic cleric based 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 reintegrated into society.
A prominent Islamic cleric based 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 reintegrated into society.
Lagbaji, founder of the At-Tanzil Foundation, made the call while delivering a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised 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 argued that reintegrating convicted criminals would only expose society to further danger. He specifically urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the execution of those convicted over the Owo church massacre.
“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.
“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. 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 said.
Lagbaji also urged lawyers not to represent persons accused of banditry or kidnapping and called for constitutional amendments to ensure anyone convicted of such offences faces immediate execution.
He further appealed to Muslims and other Nigerians to work for peace, saying the essence of Ashura is to remain devoted to Allah and uphold goodwill toward others.
Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged Muslims in Ondo State to become more actively involved in politics to secure greater representation in governance and public appointments.
He described Ashura as a day of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection, rather than celebration, and encouraged Muslims to observe it with devotion while praying for the nation’s progress.
“Nigeria belongs to all its citizens,” he said, urging Nigerians to support government efforts to address the country’s challenges.
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 in the state.
He called on Islamic leaders to continue engaging political stakeholders to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance.
The Chairman of the MMPN in Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the programme was organised to encourage Muslims to deepen acts of worship, charity, fasting and prayers while reflecting on the significance of Ashura.
