Just In: Oyo Government Reacts to Oriire Abduction Verdict, Says Life Sentence Inadequate, …But Won’t Appeal
The Oyo State Government has described the life imprisonment sentence handed to three persons convicted for their roles in the Oriire school abduction as a “cold comfort,” saying the punishment falls short of the gravity of the crime but that it will respect the court’s decision and will not file an appeal.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated this during an appearance on Crest FM’s Breakfast Show, where he spoke on the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security around schools.
The Federal High Court had sentenced three persons to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of concealing information about the masterminds behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Reacting to the judgment, Oyelade said the sentence did not adequately reflect the magnitude of the offence, considering the trauma suffered by 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.
He argued that those who concealed information about the kidnappers should not be separated from those who carried out the crime.
”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 expressing dissatisfaction with the sentence, the commissioner said the Oyo State Government would not challenge the judgment.
”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 speedy trial and determination of the case, describing it as a positive development for Nigeria’s justice system and a demonstration that justice can be dispensed without undue delay.
He also called for a review of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism and related criminal laws, arguing that the current legal framework should be strengthened to adequately address terrorism, kidnapping and other emerging security threats.
According to him, stronger legislation, backed by speedy prosecution and effective enforcement, would serve as a greater deterrent to criminal activities.
The commissioner disclosed that the Oyo State Government worked closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and prosecutors throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case to ensure that all those found culpable were brought to justice.
On efforts to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, Oyelade said the state had continued to strengthen security around schools through the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies.
”We are not relaxing. Security around schools has been strengthened through Amotekun and other security agencies. Even where there is no visible physical presence of security personnel in every school, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms have been enhanced to improve the safety of schools,” he said.
Oyelade also dismissed reports suggesting that the state government had abandoned the rescued victims and their families, insisting that support for them has continued.
”The situation is unfortunate and we will not drag issues with anybody. I am from Ogbomoso and Professor Alamu, the husband of the abducted school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, is my brother. I can assure you that the state government has been doing everything that needs to be done,” he said.
Source: Crest FM
Just In: Oyo Government Reacts to Oriire Abduction Verdict, Says Life Sentence Inadequate, …But Won’t Appeal
Byadmin
Jul 24, 2026