Islamic cleric demands execution of convicted bandits, kidnappers

An Ondo State-based Islamic cleric and founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, Sheikh AbdulRauf Lagbaji, has called on governments at all levels to enforce the death penalty against persons convicted of banditry and kidnapping, saying the growing insecurity across the country requires decisive action.

Lagbaji also urged the government to discontinue the reintegration of repentant bandits into society, arguing that such a policy encourages criminality rather than deterring it.

The cleric made the call while delivering a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, in Akure on Thursday.

A copy of the lecture, titled “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?” was made available to journalists on Sunday.

According to him, reintegrating convicted criminals into society amounts to exposing innocent citizens to further danger. He specifically urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the execution of those convicted over the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

“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 appealed to lawyers not to represent or serve as defence counsel for individuals accused of banditry or kidnapping. He further called for a constitutional amendment to ensure that anyone found guilty of such offences is promptly executed.

He urged Muslims and other Nigerians to work towards peaceful coexistence, noting that the essence of Ashura is to remain devoted to Allah and maintain good intentions towards others.

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Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, called on Muslims to participate more actively in politics to secure greater representation in governance.

He said increased political participation would enable Muslims to contribute more meaningfully to governance while improving their chances of securing elective and appointive positions.

Yayi-Akorede also commended the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria for organising the event, describing it as a platform for enlightenment and spiritual reflection.

The cleric explained that Ashura is a day dedicated to fasting and devotion rather than celebration, urging Muslims to observe it with seriousness.

“Ashura is a significant day that Muslims should remember and observe with prayers, particularly for future generations and the progress of the nation,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in the state.

He noted that despite the sizeable Muslim population in Ondo State, adherents of the faith remained underrepresented in key government positions, urging Islamic leaders to continue engaging political actors on the need for fair representation.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria in Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the programme was organised to encourage Muslims to increase acts of worship, charity, fasting and prayers.

He also urged adherents of Islam to embrace patience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, describing them as some of the enduring lessons of Ashura.