By Dayo Johnson

AKURE — A prominent Islamic cleric in Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulRauf Ajiboye Lagbaji, has called on governments at all levels to enforce the death penalty against convicted bandits and kidnappers, warning that reintegrating them into society poses a serious security risk.

Lagbaji made the call during the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, in Akure.

The event was themed, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria.”

The cleric said Islamic teachings prescribe capital punishment for intentional murder and urged the government to enforce the law against those convicted of the 2021 Owo church massacre.

“In Islam, Diya (blood money) is equivalent to 100 camels, which is about ₦200 million per person. Our religion does not permit pampering killers,” he said.

He cautioned against granting amnesty or rehabilitation to convicted bandits and kidnappers, arguing that such measures could endanger society.

“The government must not believe bandits will repent and spare them. If government does, Allah will not spare them in the hereafter,” he added.

Lagbaji also urged legal practitioners not to defend suspects facing trial for banditry or kidnapping and called for constitutional amendments to allow the immediate execution of those convicted of such offences.

Despite his stance on criminal justice, the cleric urged Muslims and Nigerians to promote peace, noting that the significance of Ashura lies in loyalty to God, righteousness and goodwill towards others.

Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, encouraged Muslims to participate actively in politics to ensure better representation and good governance.

He described Ashura as a day dedicated to fasting, prayers and spiritual reflection rather than celebration.

“Ashura is a significant day that Muslims should remember and observe with prayers, particularly for future generations and the progress of the nation,” he said.

Yayi-Akorede also called on Nigerians to support government efforts aimed at addressing the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the underrepresentation of Muslims in political appointments in the state.

He urged Islamic leaders to engage political parties to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the event was organised to promote worship, charity, patience and peaceful coexistence ahead of future elections.

He also appealed to Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and harmony in their communities.

“It behoves us as Nigerians to ensure that the forthcoming general election is peaceful and free from violence, hatred and division,” Bada said.