Oriire Terror Convictions: AKK Hails Court Verdict, Demands Tougher Punishment for Terrorists

Former Oyo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), has welcomed the conviction of three terrorists involved in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the judgment as a major victory for justice and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Saturday, AKK said the life imprisonment handed to the convicts by the Federal High Court in Abuja marked a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, but insisted that stronger punishments were needed for perpetrators of such crimes.

The three convicts were sentenced after pleading guilty to charges bordering on terrorism, concealment of information and membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation. However, they are expected to return to court in September to face trial on other charges to which they pleaded not guilty.

AKK commended the speed with which the case was prosecuted, saying it demonstrated the readiness of the country’s judicial system to tackle terrorism and other violent crimes without unnecessary delays.

He also praised the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), and the prosecution team for what he described as their professionalism and patriotism in securing the convictions.

The APC chieftain, however, argued that life imprisonment was not a sufficient punishment for terrorists who target innocent citizens, especially schoolchildren, urging the National Assembly to amend existing laws to impose stiffer penalties for acts of terrorism and kidnapping.

According to him, the verdict offers some measure of relief to the victims, their families and residents of Oriire and Ogbomoso, who have continued to grapple with the trauma caused by the attack.

He maintained that restoring lasting peace in Oyo State and across Nigeria would require sustained collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary and other critical institutions, while expressing hope that justice would also be served on the remaining charges when the trial resumes in September.

AKK stressed that the conviction should serve as a strong warning to criminal elements that terrorism and banditry would not be tolerated, reaffirming his call for a safer and more secure society.