Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Yunus Teliat Ayilara, has issued a strong statement condemning kidnappers and violent criminal groups, calling for strict punishment against offenders involved in abductions, killings, and attacks on civilians in Nigeria.
The cleric made the remarks in a statement circulating on social media on Friday, May 23, 2026, where he expressed concern over rising insecurity, particularly cases involving the abduction of schoolchildren, attacks on teachers, and rural violence in parts of the country.
Sheikh Ayilara stated that individuals who abduct innocent persons and commit murder have, in his view, committed grave crimes that warrant the full weight of justice under the law, stressing that such acts amount to “spreading corruption in the land.”
He referenced Islamic teachings, citing Qur’anic injunctions often interpreted by scholars as prescribing severe penalties for those who engage in violent crime and destabilise society, including provisions that mention capital punishment, crucifixion, or exile depending on the gravity of the offence.
The Chief Imam emphasised that his position was not a call for mob justice, but rather a demand that the Nigerian justice system apply the maximum penalties available under existing laws to deter future criminal acts.
He rejected the idea of negotiation or amnesty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that individuals who deliberately target schools, teachers, and children should not be reintegrated into society without facing full legal consequences.
His comments come amid continued public concern over kidnapping incidents across several Nigerian states, particularly in rural areas and along highways, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted civilians for ransom.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), have in recent years intensified operations against kidnapping networks, while the Nigerian government has maintained that prosecution and lawful sentencing remain key tools in addressing the crime.
Sheikh Ayilara’s statement has sparked mixed reactions, with some religious and community leaders supporting his call for stronger deterrence, while others caution that all criminal cases must remain strictly within judicial processes guided by constitutional safeguards.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, kidnapping and murder are serious criminal offences that can attract life imprisonment or the death penalty depending on the circumstances and the outcome of judicial proceedings, but only after conviction by a competent court.
The Federal Government has not issued a direct response to the Chief Imam’s remarks as of Friday, May 23, 2026, while security operations continue in affected regions as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime.
Ogbomoso, located in Oyo State, remains a prominent religious and cultural centre in southwestern Nigeria, where religious leaders often play influential roles in shaping public opinion on governance, morality, and security issues.
The statement adds to growing national debate on how Nigeria should respond to kidnapping and violent crime, with increasing calls for both stronger law enforcement and reforms to address underlying causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and weak security infrastructure.
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