In a recent judgment in Nigeria, three individuals were sentenced to death by hanging for committing armed robbery by stealing a car from its owner. The case sparked strong reactions, highlighting the harshness of sentences in the country and raising questions about the fairness of the justice system.
The case was brought before the Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti, where the accused, Akingbade David, Michael Mayowa and Ibrahim Mukaila, were convicted of robbery and conspiracy. According to the prosecution, the three individuals stole, weapons in hand, a Toyota Corolla belonging to Gbenga Ajayi on March 1, 2019 on the NTA road in Ado Ekiti.
The verdict was greeted with shock by some observers, including Sowore, who expressed disbelief at the severity of the sentence. He underlined the glaring contrast of the situation by recalling that certain local politicians, accused of embezzlement of several billion Naira, did not seem to be treated with the same rigor by the justice system.
Sowore pointed out the opacity of the legal proceedings, highlighting the case of former Ekiti State governors, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi. While Fayose is currently on trial for fraud and money laundering charges amounting to almost N7 billion, Fayemi obtained a court order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from launching an investigation against him.
This case illustrates the flaws in the Nigerian justice system, where justice sometimes seems to be applied unevenly depending on the social and political position of individuals. The contrast between the severity of the punishment imposed on car thieves and the apparent impunity of political elites legitimately raises questions about the fairness and independence of justice in the country.
It is essential that the Nigerian justice system ensures fair and impartial application of the law, regardless of the status or influence of the individuals involved. This case highlights the need for comprehensive reform of the justice system to strengthen public confidence in the rule of law and ensure fair justice for all citizens.