2 jailed for threatening to kidnap people

Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan has sentenced two men to seven years’ imprisonment each for conspiracy and making threats of kidnapping. The convicts are Fatai Tijani (33) and Temitope Aro (30). The court convicted and sentenced the duo after they each pleaded guilty to a two-count charge preferred against them […]

Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan has sentenced two men to seven years’ imprisonment each for conspiracy and making threats of kidnapping.

The convicts are Fatai Tijani (33) and Temitope Aro (30).

The court convicted and sentenced the duo after they each pleaded guilty to a two-count charge preferred against them by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In her ruling, Justice Maha stated, “This judgment takes cognizance of the prayer of the defence counsel that the court should temper justice with mercy in sentencing the convicts.

“I hope that the two of you are truly remorseful for your actions and will turn a new leaf; otherwise, you will not escape stiffer punishment if brought before the court for any other crime in the future.

“To serve as a deterrent, Tijani is sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, effective today. Similarly, Aro is sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, also effective today,” the court held.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr. T.A. Nurudeen, told the court that the convicts committed the offences between April 2025 and August 15, 2025, in the Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He stated that the convicts committed an illegal act by threatening to kidnap one Hakeem Awolere and one Suleiman Ojeleke.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravene the provisions of Section 26 (3)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. (NAN)