Two armed robbers in Bauchi State have been sentenced to death by hanging for crimes including rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy, and culpable homicide, while seven others received life imprisonment.
The High Court of Bauchi State handed down the judgments on Friday, concluding 51 criminal cases involving 64 defendants during the last quarter of 2025.
The offenses included armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, culpable homicide, rape, and fraud, among others.
The convictions were secured under relevant provisions of the Penal Code, the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and the Bauchi State Penal Code, 2022.
Muhammad Maina and Yakubu Adamu were the two armed robbers sentenced to death.
Evidence presented by the prosecution demonstrated their involvement in violent robbery incidents across the state, prompting the court to impose the maximum penalty.
Seven others — Shehu Isa, Adamu Adamu (aka Nalele), Mohammed Bello, Kabiru Ahmed, Muhammad Jibrin (aka Al-Amin), Usman Bello (Maigamo), and Manu Umaru (aka Alhaji Manu) — were sentenced to life imprisonment without the option of a fine. They were convicted for offenses including rape, conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide, and kidnapping.
In addition, a statement from Saleh Umar, information officer of the Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission, said 11 individuals were convicted for fraud-related crimes and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. They include Abubakar Shehu, Yusuf Aliyu Alhassan, Miracle Chidi, Dominic Lazarus, James Myaulompwa, Lawus Zakka, Sadiq Dosumo, Jude Titus, Joseph Olamide Adesunmila, Koche Samuel, and Falour Odinaka.
Other convicts received prison terms ranging from three months to ten years, with some sentences including fines between N10,000 and N500,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
The court delivered the judgments after finding the defendants guilty beyond reasonable doubt at the conclusion of their trials.
According to the statement, the court expressed concern over the ongoing threat of kidnapping and violent crime in Bauchi State, noting that the sentences are intended to deter criminal activities.
The statement also reaffirmed the Bauchi State Judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and supporting state government efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.
