Ekiti State Court Sentences Two Graduates to 30 Years Imprisonment for Kidnapping FUOYE Student

 

Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State — In a landmark judgment delivered on Thursday, an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti Division sentenced two young graduates to a combined 30 years imprisonment after they were found guilty of kidnapping a student of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE). The ruling underscores the judiciary's firm stance against the growing menace of kidnapping in the region and sends a strong message to would-be offenders.

The Convicts: Fresh Graduates Turned Kidnappers

The two convicts, Ojo Babajide (31 years old) and Olajide Nathaniel (35 years old), were fresh graduates when they committed the heinous crime in 2022. Both were implicated in the abduction of a FUOYE student named Atana Emmanuel, who also operates a hair salon.

The court sentenced each of the accused to 10 years imprisonment for kidnapping and an additional 5 years for conspiracy, making a total of 15 years per person. The sentences will run concurrently, amounting to 30 years combined incarceration.

The Kidnapping Incident and Court Proceedings

The defendants were arraigned in court on July 19, 2022, on charges of conspiracy and kidnapping under sections 280 and 279 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. The formal charge reads:

“That the defendants on 23rd March 2022 at Oye Ekiti did conspire to kidnap one Atana Emmanuel. The offences contravened sections 280 and 279 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.”

During the trial, the victim provided a chilling account of his ordeal. He testified that on the evening of March 23, 2022, while attending to his hair salon business around 7 pm, the two men approached him:

“I was in my shop around 7pm, the defendants moved towards me and ordered me into a waiting car. I initially refused, but I was forced to do their bidding.”

The victim was forcibly taken from his shop in Oye Ekiti to an unknown location. Eventually, he found himself in a hotel along Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti, where he was held captive. Remarkably, he was made to pay for his lodging in the hotel room through a mobile money transfer, a tactic that highlights the growing sophistication of kidnappers in adapting modern technology for their illegal schemes.

Ransom Demand and Physical Abuse

The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million naira for the victim’s release, instructing him to contact his relatives to raise the money:

“They asked me to call my relatives to pay a ransom of one million naira for my release. Through phone calls, I was able to raise N101,000.”

When the kidnappers realized the ransom was insufficient, their cruelty escalated:

“When they knew the money was not forthcoming, they ordered me to remove all my clothes, and they flogged me with horsewhip. I sustained serious bruises all over my body before I was later released,” the victim narrated.

This brutal treatment not only caused physical pain but left lasting emotional scars, raising concerns about the psychological impact of kidnapping victims.

Legal Representation and Defense Pleas

During the trial, the prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, called a witness and tendered the victim’s and defendants’ statements as well as a bond to release as exhibits. The defense lawyer, Akinola Abon, pleaded with the court to show leniency on behalf of the defendants, emphasizing that they were fresh graduates preparing for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The defense called three witnesses in a bid to mitigate the sentences, appealing for mercy based on the young age and potential of the accused.

Justice Familoni’s Verdict and Message to Society

After hearing arguments and examining the evidence, Justice Adeniyi Familoni found the defendants guilty of the charges. In his judgment, he expressed grave concern about the persistent rise of kidnapping in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large, despite ongoing efforts to curb the crime:

“The incidents of kidnapping in our communities appear unabated despite genuine and concerted efforts being made to curb the vice.”

He highlighted the conscious decision of the convicts to engage in such criminal activities and underlined the necessity for harsh punishment to serve as a deterrent:

“The defendants willingly but unwisely chose to join the vice train; therefore, they cannot escape the consequences. In this vein, they deserve more than a slap on the wrist as the penal sanction for their misdeed to serve as a deterrent to others.”

Justice Familoni sentenced both men to five years imprisonment for conspiracy and ten years imprisonment for kidnapping, to run concurrently from May 21, 2025, without the option of a fine.

The Growing Menace of Kidnapping in Ekiti State

This case is a stark reminder of the rising threat of kidnapping in Ekiti State, which has seen a surge in criminal activities involving abduction for ransom. While Ekiti has historically been considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of Nigeria, recent years have witnessed a disturbing trend of violent crimes threatening the safety of residents and students.

Kidnapping not only disrupts the lives of victims and their families but also negatively impacts the educational environment, causing fear and insecurity among students and institutions such as the Federal University Oye Ekiti.

What This Means for Students and Graduates

The sentencing of Ojo Babajide and Olajide Nathaniel, both fresh graduates, should serve as a cautionary tale to young people who might be tempted to engage in criminal acts. The court's decision reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from violent crimes.

Moreover, the incident highlights the need for increased security measures around educational institutions and the importance of community vigilance.

Conclusion: Justice Served, but Vigilance Needed

The 30-year combined imprisonment of the two graduates convicted for kidnapping at FUOYE sends a clear signal that the Ekiti State judiciary will not tolerate criminal activities, especially those that prey on vulnerable students and young people. As the fight against kidnapping continues, collaboration between law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, community leaders, and citizens remains crucial.

At NaijaRush, we call on all stakeholders in Ekiti State and Nigeria to intensify efforts towards eradicating kidnapping and ensuring safe environments for learning and business activities.