Islamic cleric demands execution of convicted bandits, kidnappers

Sheikh AbdulRauf Lagbaji, an Islamic cleric and founder of At-Tanzil Foundation in Ondo State, has strongly advocated for the enforcement of the death penalty against individuals convicted of banditry and kidnapping. He believes decisive action is necessary to combat the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.

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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.

Lagbaji also urged the government to cease its policy of reintegrating "repentant" bandits into society, contending that such measures inadvertently foster criminality rather than deter it, thereby exposing innocent citizens to further danger. He made these remarks during a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria in Akure.

Specifically, the cleric called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the execution of those convicted for the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo. "The government needs to enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that occurred four years ago," Lagbaji stated, referencing Islamic teachings that prescribe death for intentional killing.

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The government needs to enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that occurred four years ago.

He further appealed to legal professionals not to represent individuals accused of banditry or kidnapping and called for a constitutional amendment to expedite the execution of those found guilty of such offenses. Lagbaji also urged Muslims and all Nigerians to strive for peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the core tenets of Ashura: devotion to Allah and maintaining good intentions towards others.

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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.