Why governments must start killing convicted bandits, kidnappers — Ondo Islamic cleric

Governments at all levels have been called upon not to spare any bandits or kidnappers arrested and found guilty of criminal acts in the country.

AbdulRauf Ajiboye-Lagbaji, a renowned Ondo State-based Islamic cleric and founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, who made the call on Saturday in Akure during his lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, said reintegrating convicted criminals into society was tantamount to bringing more calamity upon the lives of the people.

According to him, “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.”

Ajiboye-Lagbaji, who specifically urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the timely execution of the convicted criminals who carried out the Owo Church massacre, said: “The government needs to enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that occurred four years ago.”

The lecture was themed, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”

The guest lecturer said: “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.”

The Islamic cleric also appealed to lawyers not to represent or serve as defence counsel for anyone involved in banditry or kidnapping. He further urged the government to review the Constitution so that anyone found guilty of such crimes would face immediate execution.

He also called on Muslim faithful and Nigerians to work tirelessly for peace to reign in the country, stressing that the essence of Ashura is to remain loyal to Allah and maintain good intentions towards others.

The Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, called on Muslims in the state to become more actively involved in politics to ensure greater recognition and representation in governance.

The cleric urged Muslims to actively participate in politics, saying it would enable them to contribute meaningfully to governance while improving their chances of securing political appointments, leadership positions, and adequate representation in the decision-making process.

The Grand Imam also commended the MMPN for organising the programme, describing it as an avenue for enlightenment and spiritual reflection.

Explaining the significance of Ashura, Yayi-Akorede noted that the day is one of fasting and devotion rather than merrymaking, 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.

He added that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and called on Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to address the country’s challenges.

Leke Adegbite, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, who also spoke at the event expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State.

According to him, despite the significant Muslim population in the state, they remain underrepresented in key government positions.

Adegbite, however, called on Islamic leaders to continue engaging political party leaders on the need to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance.