Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced two men, Abubakar Sodiki and Abubakar Mohammed to death by hanging.

The convicts were prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Ahmed Gegele said the evidence before the court clearly established the involvement of the defendants in the offences.

On the charge relating to illegal possession of firearms, Justice Gegele convicted the defendants under counts three and four.

The prosecution counsel, Muslimah Suleiman, had argued that the charges brought against the defendants were sufficiently established by the evidence presented before the court.

Counsel to the defendants, Shu’aib Ibrahim pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

While the first defendant begged the court for leniency, the second defendant maintained that he knew nothing about the allegations and urged the court to discharge and acquit him.

The prosecution however told the court that it was not aware of any previous criminal record against the defendants.

In his ruling, Justice Gegele said he had carefully considered the allocutus of the defendants but noted that the court could not exercise discretion where the law had clearly prescribed punishment for the offences.

He subsequently sentenced the defendants to death by hanging.

On the charges of illegal possession of firearms, the court sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment.

For the offence of kidnapping, the court sentenced the convicts to life imprisonment.

The judge held that the sentences would run according to the provisions of the law.

The case, which commenced on April 29, 2025, had its final addresses adopted on July 30, 2025, before the judgment was delivered.

It would be recalled that the victim, Alhaji Saheed Arowasi of Boriya in Baruten local government area of Kwara State, had earlier narrated his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers while testifying before the court.

He told the court that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100m, but after negotiations the amount was reduced to N10m before he was eventually released.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Vice Chancellor of the Al-Hikmah University, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unwavering commitment to sanitising the nation’s socio-economic space.

Oladimeji, who led the management team of the University on a courtesy
visit to the Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Victoria Ugo-Ali, at the Commission’s office in GRA, Ilorin,
described the Commission as a critical institution in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, noting that its interventions have helped to strengthen accountability and ethical conduct in public and private institutions.

The Vice Chancellor also chronicled the growth trajectory of Al-Hikmah University since its establishment 21 years ago. According to him, the institution began with only 70 students and three faculties but has grown remarkably into a fast-expanding university with a population of over 10,000 students across diverse academic disciplines.

Presenting the institution’s scorecard, Professor Oladimeji attributed the university’s steady growth and achievements to the dedication of its staff and students as well as the strong culture of discipline embedded in its operations. He emphasised that the institution maintains a strict stance against corrupt practices, a policy he said has significantly contributed to its successes.

“To us, it is a glad tidings to partner and identify with the EFCC because its mandate aligns with our philosophy,” he said. “Al-Hikmah University has zero tolerance for corruption, which largely accounts for the successes we have recorded over the years.”

Responding, the Zonal Director, Victoria Ugo-Ali, expressed appreciation for the visit and the university’s commitment to integrity and ethical standards. She noted that collaboration between the Commission and tertiary institutions remains vital in promoting integrity among youths.

She, however, expressed concern over the growing involvement of students of tertiary institutions in cybercrime, describing the trend as alarming. According to her, sustained engagement with university authorities is one of the most effective ways to discourage such practices and redirect young people towards productive and lawful ventures.

The Zonal Director commended Al-Hikmah University for its tax compliance and for maintaining a reputation anchored on discipline and transparency. She urged the university to continue upholding the virtues of accountability, integrity and responsible leadership in the administration of the institution, stressing that such values are essential in shaping future leaders for the country.

From Abdullateef Bambgose

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday discharged and acquitted former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two brothers, Muhammed Baba Kyari and Ali Baba Kyari, of all allegations relating to asset declaration and money laundering.

The judgment was delivered at Court 8 of the Federal High Court in Abuja by James Omotosho, who held that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case, filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), contained 23 counts under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022.

During the trial, witnesses testified and evidence was presented before the court. However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution did not sufficiently establish the charges as required by law and consequently discharged and acquitted the defendants.
The case lasted for over four years, a period during which the defendants faced intense public scrutiny and reputational challenges.

A legal practitioner and rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, described the judgment as a reaffirmation of the legal principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
He, however, noted that another case involving Kyari is still pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The matter, filed under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/57/2022 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and DCP Abba Kyari and four others, is ongoing, with the prosecution having closed its case while the defence is currently presenting its evidence.