Kaduna Court Hands Down Death Sentence to 3 – See the Shocking Reason 

According to Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, these rulings mark a crucial turning point in the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle sexual violence. She emphasized that the severity of the sentences should serve as a deterrent to others, reinforcing the need for stricter legal measures to address such crimes. Over the years, there have been growing concerns over the increasing cases of sexual offenses in the country, with many victims failing to receive justice due to delays in legal proceedings, lack of evidence, or lenient punishments. The recent judgments, however, indicate a shift in the legal landscape, as the state intensifies its efforts to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.  

The three convictions were delivered in separate trials by different judges, each reflecting the gravity of the offenses committed. On June 7, 2024, John Moses was found guilty of rape and incest and sentenced to death by hanging, alongside surgical castration, by Justice Nana. A similar ruling was delivered on February 6, 2025, when Yakubu Mohammed was convicted on two counts of rape and subjected to the same penalty by Justice B. Yusuf. Meanwhile, Mustapha Musa, who faced trial before Justice Isa Aliyu, was sentenced to life imprisonment on February 24, 2025, after being convicted on similar charges. These cases were prosecuted by legal experts, including M.P. Danjuma Esq. and Halimatu S. Bello Esq., who played a pivotal role in securing the convictions.  

The Kaduna State government has been actively working to address gender-based violence, with various policies aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. In addition to legal reforms, there have been ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the importance of reporting cases of abuse. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Development has been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for quicker legal processes, stricter laws, and enhanced support systems for survivors. Despite the judicial victories, there remains a strong need for continued efforts to address the root causes of sexual violence. Many experts believe that beyond punitive measures, more should be done to prevent these crimes in the first place. This includes strengthening educational initiatives, providing better resources for survivors, and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are adequately trained to handle such cases.  

Public reactions to the recent convictions have been mixed. While many have praised the judiciary for taking a firm stance against sexual violence, others believe that the focus should be on preventing these crimes rather than imposing severe punishments after the fact. Some critics argue that Nigeria needs a more holistic approach that includes not just legal repercussions but also significant social and educational interventions. Activists stress that while the judicial system has a crucial role to play, broader societal changes are necessary to ensure that incidents of sexual violence are significantly reduced. Addressing factors such as poverty, lack of education, and societal attitudes toward gender-based violence is key to making long-term progress.