“These young men should be building Nigeria, not breaking it” — Justice Dogondaji
A Sokoto High Court has sentenced six men to death by hanging after convicting them of armed robbery and related offences, with the trial judge issuing a stern warning about the rising tide of youth involvement in violent crime.
Justice Malami Umar Dogondaji of Sokoto State High Court II delivered the judgments on Wednesday, finding the defendants guilty following separate trials.
The Convicts
Five of the condemned men Ibrahim Hassan, Dansule Mohammed, Aminu Isah, Bello Mohammed and Mubarak Mande all residents of the Kwannawa area on the outskirts of Sokoto metropolis, were convicted of armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.
In a separate judgment, Aminu Aliyu also received the death penalty for armed robbery.
Court Ruling
The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt in both trials. The defendants, aged between 20 and 30 years, were first arraigned on January 23, 2024, and had remained on trial until judgment.
They were prosecuted under Sections 279 and 287 of the Sokoto State Penal Code for criminal conspiracy and theft, while one charge also involved unlawful possession of firearms contrary to Section 30 of the Penal Code.
Judge’s Warning
Delivering the judgment, Justice Dogondaji expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of young people in violent crimes, describing the trend as “disturbing and harmful to society.”
He lamented that many youths who should be contributing to national development were instead becoming entangled in criminal activities that threaten public safety.
The judge stressed that courts would continue to uphold the rule of law by ensuring that those found guilty of serious offences face the full weight of the law.
Background
Aliyu, the sixth convict, was arraigned on July 15, 2025, on a charge of armed robbery. After reviewing evidence from both prosecution and defence, the court ruled that the charge had been proved beyond reasonable doubt and imposed the death sentence prescribed by law.
The judgments come as security agencies intensify efforts to combat armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes across parts of northern Nigeria.
