A popular Islamic cleric and founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, Sheikh AbdulRauf Ajiboye Lagbaji, has urged the Federal Government and state governments to immediately begin the execution of all convicted bandits and kidnappers, insisting that the rising wave of insecurity can only be tackled through strict enforcement of the law.
Lagbaji made the call while delivering a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, in Akure.
Speaking on the theme, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”, the cleric argued that reintegrating convicted bandits and kidnappers into society only worsens the country’s security challenges.
He specifically appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to ensure the execution of those convicted over the Owo church massacre, saying justice must be served.
“It is time for 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 said.
“The government needs to enforce the death penalty on those involved in the Owo church attack that occurred four years ago.
“In Islam, Diya (blood money) for a person killed is equivalent to 100 camels, which is about N200 million per person. Therefore, our religion does not permit the pampering of anyone who kills.
“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.”
The cleric also urged legal practitioners to refrain from defending persons involved in banditry and kidnapping and called for a constitutional amendment to provide for the immediate execution of anyone convicted of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
He, however, urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to continue promoting peace, tolerance and good neighbourliness, stressing that the essence of Ashura is devotion to God and peaceful coexistence.
In his remarks, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, called on Muslims to participate actively in politics to secure greater representation in government and decision-making.
He described the Ashura celebration as a period for prayer, fasting and spiritual reflection rather than merrymaking.
“Ashura is a significant day that Muslims should observe with prayers for future generations and the progress of the nation,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State.
He urged Islamic leaders to continue engaging political stakeholders to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance.
Earlier, the Chairman of MMPN Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the programme was organised to encourage Muslims to increase acts of worship, charity, fasting and prayers.
He appealed to Nigerians to embrace patience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence while urging all citizens to work towards peaceful elections devoid of violence, hatred and division.
The event attracted Islamic scholars, media practitioners, religious leaders and representatives of various organisations, including the Chief Imam of Owo, Sheikh Yunus Anola (represented by Alhaji Abdulwaasi Yusuf), and the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, represented by Musiliu Makinde.
