Two kidnappers, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar, were convicted and sentenced to death by hanging by the Ekiti State High Court for abducting a female National Youth Service Corps member. The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, delivered the verdict on Thursday, June 25, 2026, discharging the third defendant, Usman Abubakar, due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.
Details of the Abduction
The victim, Omoboade Adesina, a youth corps member, was abducted on April 22, 2022, in Ekiti State. The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested and prosecuted the convicts. Justice Ogunmoye commended the DSS prosecutors for proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt, according to NTA News and Vanguard reports.
Public Reactions to the Verdict
Social media users reacted strongly to the sentencing. Otunba Nla (@Balloblog1) called it the best judgement and blessed the judge. AJ umoh (@aj_umoh) described it as a strong reminder that kidnapping is a serious crime with severe consequences, emphasizing that justice for victims must remain a priority while prevention efforts continue. Mayowa-David (@Mayordavid_9) urged the governor to quickly sign the warrant of execution.
Context of Similar Sentences
The judgement follows a death sentence by a Sokoto High Court against three men convicted of terrorism and cross-border arms proliferation. Additionally, a kidnapper was convicted in Kogi State by the DSS. In 2021, Sani Mohammed and Babannan Saleh received death sentences for kidnapping and related crimes in Jigawa, along with life imprisonment for robbery and three years for criminal conspiracy.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The defendants have 90 days to appeal the verdict. If all legal remedies are exhausted, execution requires gubernatorial approval. The case highlights the severity of kidnapping in Nigeria and the ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat such crimes.
