Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Kogi High Court Sentences Kidnapper to Death for Killing Hotel Proprietor After ₦2.5m Ransom

Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers

Published

4 months ago

on

Justice Awulu delivers maximum penalty as DSS secures conviction; verdict follows string of recent death sentences for kidnappers

A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death after finding him guilty of kidnapping and killing his neighbour, Uche Andrew Offo, even after collecting a ₦2.5 million ransom from the victim’s family. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Abdul Nicodemus Awulu, marking another major conviction for the Department of State Services (DSS) in its anti-kidnapping operations.

According to court proceedings, Halilu and members of his gang stormed Everready Hotel in the Angwa-Tiv area of Obajana on 23 March 2023, abducting Offo who was the proprietor. Despite negotiating and collecting ₦2.5 million from Offo’s relatives, the kidnappers went ahead to kill their victim. The DSS investigation led to Halilu’s arrest and subsequent arraignment on charges including conspiracy and kidnapping, contrary to Sections 12, 6(1), and 4(3)(a) of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.

The court found that the prosecution provided compelling evidence linking Halilu to both the abduction and murder. Justice Awulu imposed the death sentence as stipulated by law for such offences in Kogi State. This ruling comes just a day after a Katsina State High Court also sentenced a female arms courier arrested by the DSS to death, highlighting what observers describe as a series of courtroom successes for Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency.

The spate of convictions follows a Federal High Court judgment on 3 June 2026, where four persons were sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Security experts say these recent judgments signal a firmer stance by Nigerian courts against violent crimes linked to kidnapping and terrorism.

There was no immediate statement from Halilu’s legal representatives or family as at press time. The DSS has not issued an official comment following the verdict. Legal analysts note that while appeals remain open under Nigerian law, such capital convictions are expected to serve as deterrents amid rising concern over insecurity across North-Central Nigeria.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-hands-down-death-penalty-to-kidnapper-in-kogi/

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.

According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.

The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.

In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.

The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/914524-nscia-expands-its-national-executive-council.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.

According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.

The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.

As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.

According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.

The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.

While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.

With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914520-2027-inec-to-address-nigerians-as-election-countdown-hits-100-days.html

Continue Reading