Opinion
Panorama: Why Ganduje Should Consider Kawu Sumaila Suitable for Kano South

By Sani Sa’idu Baba
My dear country men and women, I know that some may be quick to judge me for my consistent support and advocacy for Dr. Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, a former three-time representative of Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency in the green chamber and former SSA to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly (House of Representatives) matters. But it must not be forgotten that I am best known for my non-negotiable love for good governance that ensures liberty and freedom of the common man.
Though the attitude of most of our politicians in this democratic era has to a large extent made some people believed that there no good people in Nigeria’s political space, the truth is, there are! And Sumaila is arguably one of them for many reasons. The existing dichotomy in terms of living standard is clear between the people of the rural areas and urban cities not only in Kano, but in the whole country whereby people of the rural areas are relegated to the backbench in terms of development, especially in the areas of health where I know better. Everyone knows that there is no appreciable development in the Southern part of Kano, a constituency that has a four times senator in the National Assembly. The only parts of the region that has experienced some levels of development for some reasons are few. One is, Sumaila/Takai, and that is certainly because of the tireless efforts of Sumaila. And two, Wudil Local Government, of course not because they have good leaders like Kawu Sumaila, but because of two things; Kano State University of Science and Technology, and the Police Academy which attract lots of developmental activities in the area. All the good qualities I have seen in this great man, the four cardinal principles of life, which are by extension, the embodiments upholding both the spiritual and physical manifestations of our humanity happened to be the biggest, but surely, the invaluable socio-political and economic inheritance bequeathed to me and many others by Honorable Kawu Sumaila.
These cardinal principles are; intellectual honesty, ability to conquer fears without tears, dedication beatified with vigour and prudence and above all, the unquenchable light of hope, which originated from sound moral and spiritual values. It is based on these that I deemed it appropriate to write today, hoping that this time around, Governor Ganduje will allow the will of the good people of Kano South to surface.
Kawu Sumaila’s intellectual acumen, deep sense of belongings and commitment to his people shrouded by the common sense of science, especial amongst his contemporaries is no doubt unrivaled. Apart from being one that for the first time declared health of his people as priority in his constituency in the last decade, his meritorious contributions to education were profoundly insightful. He has built many schools for both Islamic and western education. His greatest contribution is his ability to mentor generations of young people among whom are now stable people that has the capacity to help others.
Part of Kawu Sumaila’s contributions to higher education, were his roles in ensuring education reaches his people at grass root level and even beyond his constituency. He played a very crucial role and contributed to policies that strengthened education in Nigeria as a member of various education related committees in the national assembly. Beyond this, he also established a standard university in the local government where he emanated from, and also awarded several scholarships. What made his programs different was his genuine determination to save his people, even at great personal cost to himself. And so, instead of the usual people’s manipulations by politicians, diverting funds meant for them, he chooses to behave himself as the true servant of the people and continued even when he was not representing them anywhere.
Unfortunately however, the more you are bent on making a positive change in the lives of the masses, the more you are acquiring truckloads of enemies. As a concerned patriot, I’ll like to advise Kawu Sumaila to please choose his next steps very carefully because at this point, nothing matters more to us than his political career. If he rises, we are safe, and vice versa.
For his unwavering nationalism, Kawu Sumaila has provided his legislative mettle to sponsor important bills and motions that significantly helped the nation. These include amendment of Section 145 of the Constitution which provided for transfer of power to the Vice President and Deputy Governor; State Assembly financial autonomy; extrajudicial killings in Maiduguri by security agencies; dilapidated condition of Kano Airport; illegal parking of articulated trucks at Tafa village; control and management of cerebrovascular meningitis; setting time limit to dispose-off election petitions before swearing-in elected officers. Recruitment in Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), violation of Federal Character, Poor implementation of budget 2013 among others. These are some of the things his people would surely missed. He was not lucky to have a successor who will build on the lot of achievements he had recorded. But such a legacy would easily have gone to serious waste had it been he didn’t continued on his own even without the constituency project fund. It is known to all that he is currently not holding any political office, but remains an active participant with heavy clouts in the existing ruling party in both state and national level. He has curve a ninth for himself as one of the powerful, talented, humble and extraordinary politicians who mastered the act of politics with unrivalled political acumen and sagacity.
He contested the Kano South Senatorial primary election that happened to be through direct primaries. The overwhelmingly high turnover in support of this great man has to a large extent confirmed the fact that he was the true and genuine winner of the keenly contested election. Indeed, the huge number of people singing a short song “Waraka Kawu” has signified his massive acceptance and the unbroken bond he has with the people he represented. It was so interesting how elderly people, youth, men, women and their children were holding posters with inscription “Kawu Mukeso”. They sponsored many billboards with Kawu”s pictures and various inscriptions, especially when the news of miraculous election results manipulations were broken to them. Not to mention his astronomical fellowship that harbor millions of diehard supporters from diverse socio-economic class cutting across every nook and cranny of our ancient city and beyond. The political pedigree of this great man has indeed endeared him to his people. He had established a reputation of a typical politician with impeccable character reflecting someone that does not consider politics as a dirty game, and whose major focus is transforming the lives of the people that made him reach the apogee of his success in our political space. One interesting thing is that, until today, if you go out of Kano to other states, Kawu is one of the people they usually mentions in any political or developmental discuss. This speaks volumes.
It is known by all that Kawu Sumaila was one of the natural and one-faced loyalist of His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and their relationship have been cordial. In the interviews that followed the sad event of the primaries, one could deduce how respectful to Ganduje he was. Despite that, he was said to have turned a blind eye to the perpetrated injustice. Contesting that result in any court of law would have simply made Kawu the senator today. Perhaps the reason a group of delegates were sent by the Governor to accept the offer in the general interest of the party and its peaceful coexistence, the fact that their choice was not tempered with. But as a Muslim, my belief is that Kawu was not destined for 2019, but most likely 2023. But I still don’t believe that few people in the corridors of power should determine the destiny of millions of suffering citizens.
It is no longer hidden that the majority of people from the Kano South zone are lamenting serious backwardness and lack of developmental projects all attributed to poor representation from the four times Senator representing the zone, Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya who apart from being a senator, chaired very important committees in the senate that would have enabled him to bring serious developments to not only his constituency, but the state at large. I can attest to how the people of his constituency are suffering from several problems ranging from chronic poverty, poor health, epileptic standard of living, joblessness among their youths and lots more. One must not accuse the state government for not providing every single need of the people 100% of course due to the high burden on the government that results in competition of the limited resources. Perhaps this is the reason our legislatures are provided with the constituency projects funds that will help them act as subordinate to the executives. But unfortunately today, constituency project funds are mostly diverted as personal funds by many if not by all.
The idea of constituency intervention projects was first introduced during the early days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. These funds are allocated to senators and house of representative members for either hard projects like building of health centers, roads, or soft projects like education scholarships and medical expenses as they deem fit. These soft projects are largely what the people needed in this zone but sadly lacking, unfortunately.
With about one and a half years to the 2023 election, the people of this constituency are already warming up for the return of the giant, to reclaim his mandate. I have no doubt that this time around, Kawu will be a force and movement that can never be stopped.
My advice to Kano State governor however, is to pause and reflect on his relationship with the sitting senator and his two predecessors; Abubakar Shekarau and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso today. His Excellency should consider gifting Kawu Sumaila to the good people of Kano South for an enduring legacy.
Opinion
EFCC in the Eye of the Storm!

By Ayo Oyoze Baje
With comments such as ” embarrassing”, “shameful” and ” disturbing” trailing the recent revelations that not less than 27 officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC were reportedly dismissed for acts of misconduct and fraudulent activities in 2024 alone, the clarion call for full-fledged investigations into what really happened has become a necessity. This is compelling because the alleged acts of fraud span from Lagos to Kaduna Zonal Commands. And given the delicate duty hinged on the matching mandate of the EFCC he who comes to equity must do so with clean hands.
But sadly, according to the spokesperson of the federal government agency, Dele Oyewale as revealed on January 6, 2025 the EFCC has started investigating ” a trending $400, 000 claim of a yet – to – be – identified supposed staff of the agency against a sectional head”. But that was just a tip of the iceberg. Some two days later, precisely on January 8, of this year 10 officers of the Lagos Zonal Command were detained over the theft of operational items.
Listed amongst the missing items are gold bars valued at over N1 billion. That is in addition to some precious jewelry and cash of between $350,000 and $400,000. Though the agency is yet to speak on what took place at the Kaduna Zonal Command, an officer simply identified as Polycarp allegedly stole a humongous amount claimed to be over $30,000 in addition to other valuable items.Such an embarrassing situation certainly triggers some flaming questions.
For instance, how do we explain the scandalous scenario that an anti-graft agency of the stature of the EFCC could not provide adequate security for expensive exhibits, including gold and mouth-watering amounts of raw cash? How would any officer, trained to fight for and recover stolen materials and money blame the prevailing poverty and high cost of living in the country as the factors of temptation for his shameful and unpatriotic act? Good leaders do not give excuses for dereliction of duty. Not at all. Rather, they should muster the moral courage to rein in the insidious urge to attempt to convert what does not belong to one as his, for whatever reason. That brings us to the nitty-gritty of the Act which established the EFCC.
Propelled by the Establishment Act first enacted in 2002 and subsequently amended in 2004 the matching mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is to frontally combat both economic and financial crimes. To bolster its performance the Act enables the Commission to prevent, investigate, prosecute and penalize economic and financial crimes in their various shades. Good enough, the EFCC is also charged with the responsibility of executing the provisions of other laws and regulations that are related to economic and financial crimes.
In its distilled essence, these laws are embedded in Section 7(2) of the Establishment Act 2004. These include Money Laundering Act 1995, Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004 as well as Advanced Fee Fraud and other related Offence Act 1995. Not left out are the Failed Bank Act, 1994, the Criminal Code and the Terrorism Act 2011. But the recent revelations of odious acts of deliberate criminality carried out by officers of the EFCC run against the grains of the fight against corruption. They must therefore, be brought to the public sphere for proper scrutiny while the agency should beam a brighter searchlight into its inner structures to plug the widening loopholes.
Beginning with its recruitment process, it has become expedient for a more thorough assessment of the moral standards of any Nigerian citizen presenting himself for any of the available posts before he is employed there. Also significant is the need to guarantee the safety and security of all forms of exhibits -be it gold, jewelry or cash-preferably in bank vaults. Doing so will cut off any access to them.
From the point of view of security experts it amounts to unprofessional act not to have mechanisms firmly in place to ensure both safety and accountability of the exhibits. And if the EFCC decides to keep them within its purvey they should be well secured with multiple layers of protection provided. With such a guarantee it means that if the court finally decides in favour of the defendants, or those alleged to have stolen the recovered items they would be fully returned, without spurious claims of such to have been stolen by operatives of the EFCC. That brings us to what punishments should be meted out to the culprits.
Beyond their outright dismissal from office, they should be prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law. If perhaps, they have relocated outside the country the use of biometrics on record will be handy to trace and track them down.That would send the right punitive message and serve as a form of deterrence, to others with similar inclination to steal. But then, the question on the lips of concerned Nigerians is why all these acts of malfeasance are coming up at this point in time?
While some observers of the goings on at the EFCC have applauded the Chairman, Olanipekun Olukayode for mustering the leadership will to ensure probity and accountability in the operations others are not impressed by the method of night raids. Also, with the viral video of one Idris Okunaye, aka Bobrisky who claimed that some operatives of the agency collected N15 million from him to absolve him of the charge of money laundering, though later denied, the image of the EFCC is currently at stake.
But we urge Olukayode to continue with the internal cleaning up process, go ahead with the auditing of the recovered items on Zonal Command basis and ensure their security. He should review the night operations that have led to some deaths of the officials, strengthen oversight functions while doing away with problems traced to political interference.
As the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership has rightly demanded for the internal cleansing should be holistic and devoid of manipulations from the corridors of political power.
Indeed, to restore public confidence in the EFCC it must free itself from the antics, sentiments and threats from the executive arm of government at the state and federal government levels. That would also reinforce the standard of morality in the nation, which has been rubbished by the crass, crude and criminal culture of impunity. With some of those who have pilfered the national treasury dry still walking our streets as free men and women, it is hard to discourage our rudderless youths from all forms of fraudulent practices. But we cannot continue to tread that path of perfidy. Not at all.
Opinion
How Wike Benefitted from Dele Momodu’s Expertise and Conflict Resolution Skills

By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba
ssbaba.pys@buk.edu.ng
Let me begin with this beautiful quote by Benjamin Franklin that “The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.” Indeed, some people lack the knowledge of their own ignorance. Earlier this morning, Aare Dele MOMODU posted multiple pictures of him and his friend, the former Governor of Rivers State as he used to do from time to time in his busy social media pages. Immediately I saw those pictures, it reminded me of how CHIEF DELE MOMODU contributed immensely to WIKE’S popularity by showcasing the then Governor’s projects, an event that marked the origin of his nickname “Mr Project” all over Nigeria.
I would always say that WIKE’s popularity in Nigeria especially in the North was not as a result of his failed attempt to cling his party’s presidential ticket during the May 2022 presidential primaries or the events that followed, rather as a result of how the OVATION MEDIA GROUP demonstrated to Nigerians, Africa and many parts of the world that a Governor like Wike actually existed in Nigeria due to the volume of projects he was able to put in place in Rivers State which probably overrode all history of governance at state level in Nigeria. Unfortunately, some ignorant people threw their usual tantrums under the comment section, saying that MOMODU betrayed WIKE, which in my humble opinion is the other way round. Follow me patiently as I make a few points to that effect in a jiffy, keeping in mind the fact that Governor WIKE’s multiple work in Rivers had been undervalued, under-reported, or, let’s say, eclipsed by politics until the OVATION media group intervened in late 2020.
Furthermore, in my own understanding, a journalist has to be fair and ready to listen to the other side of any story. Governor WIKE turned out to be amongst the top beneficiaries of this Momodu’s rare quality as a veteran journalist. Let me take a step back a bit to the best of my knowledge as a meticulous follower of Ovation Media Group. Momodu had interviewed MAZI NNAMDI KANU, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) weeks before, specifically on the 29th October, 2020 and his fans were very happy. It was the mother of all interviews because both the interviewer and respondent knew their onions. The brilliant Nnamdi Kanu himself tweeted the following day expressing his satisfaction with Momodu’s comportment and describing him as the Larry King of Africa, which was largely true in my opinion. In fact some called him the man with magic fingers because of his enormous wisdom and prolificness in writing.
Thereafter, many Nigerians at home and in diaspora, his fans and mentees including myself requested him to interview GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE. In fact, when I called him about that, he said “Dr Baba, I will! I always believe a journalist must hear and ventilate the other side of any story…”. So willingly and by popular demand, DELE MOMODU made it happen.
A few days later, he announced the acceptance of the then Governor WIKE to join him for a chat on one of his Instagram live sessions. That was one of the must watched interviews that set all social media streets agog. The interview went well, and he answered very interesting questions as candidly and as boldly as he could, not mincing words about his sharp disagreement with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the IPOB he leads, while MOMODU maintained his usual neutrality as much as possible. Momodu also asked the Governor some important questions about his developmental projects because the session was not just about his altercation with Kanu.
Moving fast forward during the interview, Governor WIKE threw a challenge by immediately inviting the Ovation Media Group to visit Rivers and see things for themselves. He was confident that given the infrastructural development Rivers State had witnessed under his watch though unpopular, Ovation would require over two weeks to cover his projects. Momodu accepted his challenge and headed to Rivers, prepared as always, regardless of what was on ground. They were pleasantly surprised. Two weeks and counting, Ovation team was still in Rivers State. There was simply so much to be seen and it was as if the governor had captured them permanently. He was enjoying their stay in Rivers while the whole country was resonating wondering what the Ovation crew were revealing from Rivers state. That was in my best understanding what brought the Governor WIKE’S massive achievement in Rivers to limelight in Nigeria and beyond. They travelled extensively and traversed the length and breadth of Rivers State, given the Governor WIKE all the machineries he needed to brag and beat his chest about the massive development he brought to his own state.
The other face of the story was even more interesting because some people who are extremely loyal to Kanu got angry. They said Wike was lying. They said he was the one who ordered the killing and mass murder of the people in OYIGBO/OBIGBO. They immediately challenged Momodu to go to the town and see the level of destruction and devastation. Some immediately began to rain insults and abuse on the Momodu’s platforms. I still remember clearly some of the false accusations and allegations by the same people who were happy before. Indeed this is not new to any journalist who chose to deploy ethical standards and neutrality. This also reminds me of the atmosphere when CHIEF DELE MOMODU interviewed the former Nigeria minister of petroleum DIAZENI ALLISON MADUEKE in London.
Coming back to the main epistle, DELE MOMODU also accepted the challenge and decided to visit OBIGBO town in Rivers State, a place where all the media spaces in Nigeria have likened to GAZA, PALESTINE where killings and human rights abuse became the order of the day. Momodu’s visit to OBIGBO is also a different story on its own, yet very interesting because what came out of it was totally contrary to a place where everyone believes it was under military siege. Everyone was ready to see the possible bloodbath and devastation that he/she was reading about constantly on social media. It was showcased LIVE in all Momodu’s platforms as the visit was ongoing in OBIGBO town.
In going to OBIGBO, Momodu employed and deployed his vast experience in the last three decades in promoting peace in West Africa and visiting war torn areas. In a sense, he was returning to familiar turfs and terrain. There were times MOMODU had to come down from the car to walk around a bit and interact with the people based on requests, instructions and directions from the INSTAGRAM LIVE feeds. He felt comfortable and very much at home amongst the indigenes and residents of Obigbo and the people welcomed the Ovation crew and freely expressed themselves. He also asked directly from the people about the murders and wanted to know if killings were still ongoing. Everybody he spoke with confirmed what had happened, but they all said the situation was under control, contrary to what the media was falsely and unjustly promoting. Normalcy had been restored substantially, in the town. Markets were bristling with the usual hustle and bustle of a boisterous community and it was live for all viewers to see. Momodu also listened to the Local Government Chairman, Prince Gerald Oforji, and the Chiefs for their own version of the story.
To my surprise however, some people kept raining abuses during the live broadcasts despite Momodu’s open, transparent work and apparent selflessness. He remained unperturbed because obviously he was not out to impress anyone but to do his job as professionally as he knows best.
In my own understanding, that was how most Nigerians naturally exonerated Governor WIKE from the alleged massive killings in OBIGBO as some believed he masterminded everything like a Bollywood director.
Who now is the ultimate beneficiary of these Momodu trips and interventions? Who benefitted from Momodu’s uncommon conflict resolution skills?
Opinion
Signing of Execution Warrants for Criminals in Nigeria: My Take

By Hezekiah Olujobi
The Ogun State Government has announced that it is considering signing the death warrants of condemned criminals sentenced by competent courts to serve as a deterrent to those who may want to commit heinous crimes in the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), made this known on Friday after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre in Ibara, Abeokuta. In reaction to the publication of yesterday’s report on the visit of the Attorney General of Ogun State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), regarding the State Governor’s move to sign execution warrants for inmates guilty of capital offenses, my take is both affirmative and cautionary.
Yes, if there is sufficient and overwhelming evidence that an individual is guilty of a crime, they should face the consequences. The suspension of the death penalty occurred in 1999 after the establishment of a democratic government in Nigeria. However, before the abolition of the death sentence, there were instances of many innocent people who were executed in Nigeria. Unfortunately, there is no record of innocence because nobody is looking in that direction.
During the period of executions, crime rates increased, and at every point, the Nigerian government has launched attacks to combat crime. Each time an initiative is launched, innocent people often suffer as a result. We can see that firing squads did not stop crime. If we reflect on the common crimes that attracted firing squads in the past, we can agree that there was a time when bank robbery was rampant in Nigeria. Can you tell me when you last heard of a bank robbery? The reason bank robbery has diminished is due to technology that makes it difficult for criminals to penetrate banks and access money.
There was also a time when highway robbery was rampant, with criminals using various tactics to rob victims, which claimed many lives. After the government launched attacks against these criminals, the incidents decreased. Why is it that highway robbery is not as prevalent as before? It is because of improved road conditions. Highway robbery can only take place on poorly maintained roads. While it has not been completely eradicated, it has certainly reduced.
Due to the high rate of crime, the government has launched various anti-robbery squads. However, we can see that the more these responses are implemented, the more robbery incidents seem to increase. Have you ever asked yourself why crime is on the rise? Crime is increasing in various dimensions because of societal changes. People commit crimes to survive and to remain relevant. Many individuals have developed means of survival through kidnapping, ritual killings, and internet fraud, which pose a threat to human life. We claim that the law exists, but the existing laws seem ineffective, as crime continues to rise. So, what should the government do next?
It is the duty of the government to protect its citizens, but we see that these criminals are becoming a greater threat to society. Prisons, particularly those housing death row inmates, are overcrowded and inhumane.
Unfortunately, I was not part of the visiting team; otherwise, I would have suggested to the Attorney General to ask the wardens to lock up the inmates and then visit each cell to see how they are sleeping. It’s inhumane.
Now, the argument is whether the government should go ahead and sign the death warrants to reduce crime. In the 80s and 90s, did you hear about internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo)? You can see that now it is rampant. You will agree with me that the more police launch attacks against these criminals, the more crime seems to increase. However, you will also agree that while some crimes are increasing, others are decreasing, and some police officers are even implicated in these crimes.
Yes, they should go ahead and sign the death warrants, but with caution.
How would you feel about someone who killed your son and, after 10 years, was released in the name of repentance? How would you feel about someone who kidnapped your relative and caused you psychological trauma, only to be granted amnesty after some years? In cases of ritual murder, not accidental murder, I strongly recommend that such individuals, including the herbalists involved, should be put to death. Armed robbery that involves murder should also result in the death penalty. If they have repented, let them go and meet God. Where there is overwhelming evidence of guilt, such judgments should be made public for debate so that the public can be assured that the real perpetrators are indeed guilty of the offense, and the day of reckoning must come for them.
“He who kills by the sword must be killed by the sword,” as stated in the New Testament. It is ungodly to spare a terrorist or a murderer involved in ritual killings. It is unjust to apprehend the culprit and let go of the one who instigated them to commit the crime. In fact, I would suggest the death penalty for both. It is ungodly and unconstitutional to spare kidnappers. This crime is increasing because the government is doing nothing about it, which is why criminals can plan jailbreaks to enforce their freedom and continue to unleash terror on society. It is an insult and shows that the law is not working.
From Genesis to Revelation, the law does not change.
Genesis 9:6 states: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” This is where God gave the command.
Jesus Christ said to Peter in the book of Matthew 26:52 (KJV): “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword,” which means that the law is still in effect.
In the book of Revelation, the message echoes again: Revelation 13:9-10 (KJV) states, “If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” This indicates that the law is still in effect.
It is disobedient to God’s order to spare them without any means of reforming them.
Why I Say No to Signing Execution Warrants
As an advocate for those wrongfully sentenced to death, I have compelling reasons to oppose the signing of execution warrants. My experiences have shown me the grave injustices that can occur within the criminal justice system, where innocent individuals are sentenced to death based on flawed evidence and inadequate legal representation.
Case Studies of Wrongful Convictions
1. Olaniyi Emiola: In 1995, Olaniyi was implicated by his neighbors after the real perpetrator mentioned names that coincidentally matched his. He was wrongfully convicted on March 17, 1998, without access to an appeal. After a thorough review of the judgment and support from the real perpetrators who exonerated him, he was granted amnesty on January 11, 2011, due to new evidence revealing the truth. As a result of our intervention, he regained his freedom after 17 years.
2. Morufu Omobolanle: Arrested on October 23, 1996, for armed robbery, Morufu was tried alongside an unknown accomplice. Witnesses testified against both, but his co-defendant’s alibi saved him while Morufu was sentenced to death on January 23, 2002. Despite years of fighting for his innocence, his appeal failed at the Supreme Court due to a lack of thorough review. Our investigation revealed that Morufu had previously been wrongfully arrested in a separate incident. After 22 years of wrongful imprisonment, he was finally granted amnesty by the Ondo State Governor, thanks to our intervention.
3. Olusola Adepetu: A well-known traditional medical practitioner, Olusola was arrested on November 27, 1990, for the death of his girlfriend. He was sentenced to death on August 7, 1992, largely due to public opinion. His appeal was denied by the Supreme Court. However, after many years, we discovered a dissenting judgment that led to his exoneration. He was finally set free on October 16, 2016, after 26 years of wrongful imprisonment, again due to our intervention.
4. Lukma Adeyemi and Ismaila Lasisi: Recently, these two individuals were granted freedom by the Ogun State Board of Mercy after the real perpetrators claimed their innocence. With the support of my team, we advocated for their release, and they regained their freedom after 24 years of wrongful imprisonment.
Addressing Crime and Justice
I acknowledge the alarming rate of crime in our society, particularly among the youth. While I support efforts to combat this issue, I urge that we focus on identifying and prosecuting the actual perpetrators of crimes rather than making scapegoats of innocent individuals. It is essential to create awareness in schools and among the youth about the consequences of crime and the importance of justice.
Additionally, we must provide support for the families of victims to help them find healing.
Concerns About the Judicial System
My greatest fear lies in the way judges are sentencing innocent individuals to death without thorough reviews by higher courts. In one case involving a family accused of murder, all four members filed separate appeals, yet none were successful. It was disheartening to see that none of the judges reviewed the case critically, and they all concurred despite clear evidence of innocence.
In another recent case in OSUN State a judge sentenced to death two brothers who were swamped by the police for monetary gain.
In Oyo State there were case of three people who were sentenced to death based on the Confessional statement.
In Ekiti State there were cases where the judge sentenced two people who did not understand each other language to death based on some people who have personal hatred against the individual.
As far as I am concerned some of the judgement that are sending these individuals must be scrutinized.
In conclusion, the risk of executing innocent individuals is too great to ignore. Let parents awaken to give serious warnings to their children; let pastors and imams include discussions about crime and its consequences in their sermons.
We must ensure that justice is served fairly and that the lives of innocent people are protected. Justice must not be compromised; those who kill with the sword must die by the sword.
Support for Signing Execution Warrants
1. Deterrence Effect
If there is sufficient and overwhelming evidence of an individual’s guilt, they should face the consequences of their actions.
2. Moral Responsibility
It is essential to ensure that those who commit severe crimes, such as murder, kidnapping, Terrorism and ritual killings, face justice.
3. Public Assurance
For the public to trust the justice system, judgments involving capital punishment should be transparent and subject to public debate. This ensures that the real perpetrators are indeed guilty of the offenses for which they are sentenced..
Conclusion
The decision to sign execution warrants for condemned criminals in Nigeria is fraught with moral, legal, and social implications. While there is a compelling case for justice, the risk of executing innocent individuals cannot be overlooked. It is imperative that we strive for a justice system that protects the innocent, holds offenders accountable, and addresses the underlying issues contributing to crime.
Justice must not be compromised; those who kill must face the consequences of their actions, but we must also ensure that the system is fair and just for all.
What is your take on this?
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