Oyo State government says the life sentences handed to three convicts in the Oriire school abduction case fall short of justice. The state believes the punishment doesn't match the severity of the crime, according to commissioner Dotun Oyelade.
Oyelade spoke to journalists in Ibadan about the Federal High Court's verdict. He said the government would accept the judgment despite its disappointment with the outcome.
"The ruling is a cold comfort," Oyelade told reporters. "We expected capital punishment for the convicts, as that would better reflect the gravity of abducting innocent schoolchildren and teachers."
The three men were convicted of concealing information about the masterminds behind the abductions in Oriire Local Government Area. Oyelade argued that those who hid details about the kidnappers bore equal responsibility as the perpetrators themselves.
"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," he noted. "They are one and the same."
Despite his reservations, Oyelade made clear that Oyo State won't challenge the court's decision. "The government will not be appealing the judgment.
While we have our reservations, we respect what the law has said," he stated.
However, Oyelade praised the Federal High Court for moving swiftly through the trial. He said the speedy conclusion showed Nigeria's justice system could work efficiently without unnecessary delays.
The commissioner called for lawmakers to strengthen anti-terrorism and criminal laws across the country. He argued that tougher legislation paired with quick prosecution would deter crime more effectively.
"We need tougher laws backed by swift prosecution and effective enforcement," Oyelade said. "This would provide a stronger deterrent against criminality."
He revealed that Oyo State worked closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and prosecutors throughout the investigation and trial. The collaboration ensured all those found guilty faced justice, according to him.
On preventing future attacks, Oyelade said the state has ramped up school security through Amotekun Corps and other agencies. The security network has deployed personnel to monitor vulnerable institutions.
"Security around schools has been strengthened through Amotekun and other security agencies," he told reporters. Even where uniformed officers aren't visibly present in every school, intelligence work and rapid response teams have been boosted to protect students and staff, he explained.
"We are not relaxing," Oyelade insisted. The state remains committed to preventing kidnappers and terrorists from striking educational institutions, he added.
