A renowned Islamic scholar and founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, Sheikh AbdulRauf Ajiboye Lagbaji, has called on governments at all levels to enforce the death penalty against convicted bandits and kidnappers, warning against reintegrating such offenders into society.
Lagbaji made the call during the Ashura Day lecture organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, held on Thursday in Akure.
Speaking on the theme, "Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?", the cleric argued that sparing those found guilty of murder, banditry and kidnapping would only expose innocent citizens to further danger.
According to him, Islamic teachings prescribe capital punishment for anyone who intentionally takes another person's life.
"It is time for our government to execute any bandit or kidnapper found guilty because the Qur'an makes it clear that whoever knowingly kills another person should also be put to death," he said.
Lagbaji also urged the government to enforce the death penalty against those convicted over the Owo Catholic Church attack, insisting that justice must be served.
Explaining the Islamic concept of Diya (blood money), he noted that compensation for a life lost is equivalent to 100 camels, estimated at about N200 million, stressing that Islam does not condone leniency towards murderers.
He further appealed to lawyers to refrain from defending individuals involved in banditry and kidnapping, while urging the government to amend relevant constitutional provisions to allow for the immediate execution of persons convicted of such crimes.
The cleric, however, called on Muslims and all Nigerians to embrace peace, justice and good intentions, saying the lessons of Ashura emphasise devotion to Allah and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged Muslims to become more actively involved in politics to secure greater representation in governance and public appointments.
He described Ashura as a day of fasting, prayers and spiritual reflection rather than celebration, urging Muslims to observe it with devotion while praying for Nigeria's peace and progress.
"Ashura is a significant day that Muslims should remember and observe with prayers, particularly for future generations and the progress of the nation," he said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the underrepresentation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State.
He appealed to Islamic leaders to continue engaging political stakeholders to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance.
Earlier, MMPN Chairman in Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the programme was organised to encourage Muslims to strengthen their commitment to worship, fasting, charity and prayers while promoting patience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He also urged Nigerians to work together in promoting peace and harmony, expressing hope that future elections would be conducted peacefully and without violence.
The event was attended by Islamic scholars, media practitioners, members of the Muslim community and other dignitaries, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various Islamic organisations.
