The Kaduna State Government has moved to set the record straight regarding the death sentence passed on Victor Solomon, popularly known as Zidane, dismissing swirling social media narratives as false and misleading. State officials insist the judicial process was transparent, lawful, and strictly evidence-based.
Two Separate Trials, Two Different Outcomes
Addressing the public speculation that followed the January 6, 2026 judgment, the state's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, provided detailed clarifications. He explained that Solomon faced two distinct criminal trials before different High Courts for separate offences involving different victims.
"There is no contradiction in the court outcomes being referenced online. Victor Solomon was tried in two completely different cases," Kanyip stated. He elaborated that while Solomon was acquitted in one case in 2024, he was lawfully convicted in another in 2026 based on the evidence presented.
The Details of the Cases
The first case, with Charge No. KDH/KAD/73C/2020, involved charges of criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide. This trial concluded on May 21, 2024, with Solomon being discharged and acquitted.
The second and more severe case, under Charge No. KDH/KAD/78C/2020, involved graver offences including criminal conspiracy, grievous harm without provocation, and culpable homicide punishable with death. This trial ended in October 2025, with the court delivering its final verdict on January 6, 2026, convicting Solomon and sentencing him to death by hanging.
"The conviction was not arbitrary or politically motivated. It followed due process, full trial, and judicial evaluation of facts and evidence," Kanyip stressed. He also reminded the public that the defendant retains the constitutional right to appeal the judgment up to the Supreme Court.
Government Warns Against Misinformation
Reacting to the growing online commentary, the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, issued a stern warning. He stated that the deliberate spread of misinformation around sensitive judicial matters poses a significant threat to public order and social harmony.
"The deliberate spread of half-truths and false claims around court judgments is dangerous. It risks inflaming passions and creating unnecessary tension. Kaduna residents must verify information before sharing it," Maiyaki cautioned.
The state government reaffirmed that under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, governance remains anchored on the principles of the rule of law, fairness, and inclusivity. It assured all citizens that the pursuit of justice in Kaduna State will always be conducted transparently and without prejudice.
