The Department of State Services has announced plans to appeal the life sentences given to three men responsible for the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area. The agency expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling, arguing that the punishment fails to reflect the severity of the offenses committed.
Specifically, the DSS highlights the beheading of two educators by the terrorist group as a capital crime that warrants the death penalty. Justice Salim Ibrahim had previously sentenced the men to life imprisonment after they entered guilty pleas regarding their affiliation with the Ansaru-linked group Darul Salam, as well as for withholding information and promoting radical ideologies.
The individuals convicted are Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani. These men, all originating from Niger State, faced a 10-count indictment related to terrorism, including kidnapping and the use of digital platforms to coordinate terrorist training. While the court issued multiple life sentences for these counts, the DSS maintains that the legal outcome is insufficient.