….Says Life Terms Do Not Match Crime Wanted Death Penalty In School Abduction Case
The Oyo State Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the life imprisonment sentences imposed on three persons convicted in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the punishment as inadequate despite ruling out an appeal.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated the government’s position while speaking with journalists in Ibadan following the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court sentenced the three defendants to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of concealing information about those alleged to have masterminded the abduction of the pupils and teachers.
Reacting to the judgment, Oyelade described the sentences as “cold comfort,” arguing that they did not adequately reflect the gravity of the offence or the trauma suffered by the victims, their families and the state.
“The ruling is cold comfort. We expected capital punishment for the convicts, as that would better reflect the gravity of abducting innocent schoolchildren and teachers,” he said.
The commissioner maintained that persons who deliberately concealed information about the kidnappers should bear responsibility comparable to that of those who directly carried out the abduction.
“It is myopic for anyone to try to create a wedge between the crime of concealment committed by these people and those who actually perpetrated the crime. They are one and the same,” Oyelade said.
Despite its reservations, the state government said it would not challenge the judgment.
“The government will not be appealing the judgment. While we have our reservations, we respect what the law has said,” the commissioner stated.
Oyelade nevertheless commended the Federal High Court for the speed with which the case was heard and determined, describing the proceedings as a positive development for Nigeria’s justice system and evidence that serious criminal cases could be concluded without prolonged delays.
He also called for a review of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism and related criminal laws to provide tougher punishments for kidnapping, concealment of information about terrorists and other security-related offences.
According to him, stronger legislation, combined with swift prosecution and effective enforcement, would provide a greater deterrent against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The commissioner disclosed that the Oyo State Government worked closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and prosecutors throughout the investigation and prosecution to ensure that those found culpable were brought to justice.
Addressing measures taken to prevent a recurrence, Oyelade said the government had strengthened security around schools through the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and other security agencies.
“We are not relaxing. Security around schools has been strengthened through Amotekun and other security agencies. Even where there is no visible physical presence of security personnel in every school, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms have been enhanced to improve the safety of schools,” he said.
Oyelade also dismissed claims that the state government had abandoned the rescued victims and their families, insisting that official support had continued.
“The situation is unfortunate, and we will not drag issues with anybody. I am from Ogbomoso, and Professor Alamu, the husband of the abducted school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, is my brother. I can assure you that the state government has been doing everything that needs to be done,” he said.
The Oriire school abduction attracted national attention after pupils and teachers were taken from schools in the local government area and held in captivity for several weeks before they were eventually rescued.
The life sentences imposed by the Federal High Court represent the first convictions secured in connection with the incident.
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