Five Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Killing Fulani Herder in Osun
By Bola Bamigbola
Five men convicted of abducting and murdering Ibrahim Adamu, a Fulani herder who sold cows at Owode-Ede, Osun State, have been sentenced to death by hanging by an Osun State High Court. The sentencing occurred on Tuesday.
Adamu was abducted and taken to a secluded area in his Toyota Corolla. Despite paying a ransom of N3 million, he was killed after recognizing one of his abductors.
The convicted individuals— Ibrahim Issa, Lateef Bello, Abdul Ramon Soliu, Bello Ibrahim, and Abudu Mumini Jolaanobi Saheed—were initially arraigned on October 28, 2021. They faced charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder under Sections 324, 319, and 364 of the Criminal Code Laws of Osun State. All defendants pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, the lead prosecutor, Mr. Moses Faremi from the Ministry of Justice, recounted the events of April 17, 2018, when Adamu was abducted from his residence around 7:45 pm.
Investigating Police Officer Mr. Ganiyu Taofeek presented evidence, including extrajudicial statements and a mask left at the crime scene during a struggle. Taofeek testified that while in captivity, Adamu recognized one of his abductors, leading to his murder.
Taofeek further disclosed that Abdu Mumini, upon realizing Adamu had identified them, instructed the gang, including three yet-to-be-arrested Togolese members, to kill Adamu. Mumini reportedly took the victim’s head and heart, while Soliu took his arms. Adamu’s remains were subsequently disposed of in the Osun River.
In his confessional statement, Mumini detailed the reasons behind Adamu’s murder and how the ransom was divided among the gang members.
Defense counsel Mr. Bola Ige argued that the prosecution had not proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Folashade Ipede of the Legal Aid Council also requested leniency for the defendants.
However, Justice Kudirat Akano found all five men guilty on all counts and sentenced them to death by hanging.
