The Oyo State Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the life sentences handed to three men convicted for their roles in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the punishment does not match the gravity of the crime.
While stating that it respects the judgment of the Federal High Court, the state government said it believes the convicts deserved the death penalty but has ruled out appealing the verdict.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, made the government’s position known during an interview with journalists in Ibadan.
Describing the judgment as “cold comfort,” Oyelade said the sentence failed to adequately reflect the trauma inflicted on the victims, their families and the state.
“The ruling is a cold comfort. We expected capital punishment for the convicts, as that would better reflect the gravity of abducting innocent schoolchildren and teachers,” he said.
Oyelade also argued that those who concealed information about the kidnappers should be regarded as equally guilty as those who carried out the abduction.
“It is myopic for anyone to try to create a wedge between the crime of concealment committed by these people and those who actually perpetrated the crime. They are one and the same,” he added.
Despite its dissatisfaction with the ruling, the commissioner said the Oyo State Government would not challenge the court’s decision.
“The government will not be appealing the judgment. While we have our reservations, we respect what the law has said,” he stated.
Oyelade, however, commended the Federal High Court for the swift handling of the case, describing the timely conclusion of the trial as a positive sign for Nigeria’s justice system and evidence that justice can be delivered without unnecessary delays.
