Court sentences 3 to death by hanging for rape, kidnapping in Kwara

By Kayode Adeoti, Ilorin

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has convicted three persons and sentenced them to death by hanging for offences bordering on armed robbery and kidnapping.

The convicts were found guilty of committing the crimes against a farmer and his wife (names witheld) at their farm in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Delivering judgment, Justice Funsho Lawal held that the defendants, Patrick Afedia Adams, Tijani Usman and Ahmed Muhammad, were convicted on a four-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and rape.

The court heard that on June 15, 2025, at Kanjile village via the Kulende area of Ilorin, the convicts, armed with cutlasses and an axe, robbed the victims of their valuables and subsequently kidnapped them.

Justice Lawal ruled that the defendants were jointly liable for the offences of conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

However, Tijani Usman was separately found guilty of rape and was sentenced to an additional 20 years’ imprisonment for the offence.

For armed robbery, the court sentenced the convicts to life imprisonment, while they were sentenced to death by hanging for kidnapping. Tijani Usman received an extra 20-year jail term for rape.

According to the court, while holding the victims hostage, the convicts demanded a ransom of N5 million, which was transferred into the wife’s bank account.

The court disclosed that the defendants later demanded the bank details to withdraw the money, but only N4,000 had been withdrawn before they were arrested by the police.

In a disturbing account, the court narrated how the victims were tied with ropes, after which Tijani Usman raped the wife.

Justice Lawal stated that the prosecution proved the offence of rape beyond reasonable doubt through medical reports and other corroborating evidence, including the convict’s confession.

The court informed the convicts of their right to appeal within the time prescribed by law.

Speaking after the judgment, counsel to the convicts, Mr Adebayo, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as evidence of the court’s thoroughness and a step toward making society safer.

On her part, the lead prosecution counsel, Mrs Nagode, thanked the judge and expressed satisfaction with the verdict, praying for continued wisdom and good health as he dispenses justice on the bench.

Earlier, the convicts had pleaded for leniency, citing their age and promising to reform if pardoned.

Editor’s Note:

This report has been updated to withhold the names and details of the victim to protect their privacy and dignity.