12 Sentenced to Death Over Terrorism, Kidnapping, Other Security Offences in Nigeria
Twelve individuals have been sentenced to death by hanging following convictions in terrorism, kidnapping and other security-related cases prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) across Nigeria.
Court documents reviewed showed that the judgments were delivered by federal and state high courts between May and June 2026. Several other defendants received prison terms ranging from two years to life imprisonment.
Among those handed death sentences were four men convicted in connection with the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
On June 3, the Federal High Court sentenced Idris Omeiza, Alqasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris to death after finding them guilty of terrorism, conspiracy and membership of a terrorist group.
In a separate case, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar were sentenced to death by the Ekiti State High Court after being convicted of conspiracy to murder, murder and kidnapping.
The Kogi State High Court also sentenced Jibrin Halilu to death over conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping charges linked to the killing of Andrew Offo.
In Katsina State, Hauwa’u Mukhtar received a death sentence after being convicted of conspiracy and aiding terrorism through the supply of ammunition to a bandit leader.
Similarly, the Sokoto State High Court sentenced Yusuf Muhammad, also known as Salau, alongside Jabbi Alhaji Yalle and Kabiru A. Maradun to death after convicting them of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, arms trafficking and weapons proliferation.
According to the DSS, the cases involved offences including terrorism, membership of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), support for terrorist organisations, gun running, concealment of information and terrorism financing.
The report further stated that Abdullahi Mohammed Mustapha was sentenced to death during the mass terrorism trials held between June 15 and June 18 after being convicted on terrorism-related charges.
Several other defendants were also convicted for alleged involvement with Boko Haram and ISWAP, including providing material support to terrorist groups, participating in terrorist activities, illegal arms trafficking and concealing information.
