Two-armed robbers in Bauchi have been sentenced to death by hanging for offences including rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy, and culpable homicide, while seven others received life imprisonment.

The High Court of Bauchi State delivered the judgments on Friday, concluding 51 criminal cases involving 64 defendants during the last quarter of 2025. The offences ranged from armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, culpable homicide, rape, to fraud.

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 sentenced to death after the prosecution proved 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 of offences including rape, conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide, and kidnapping.

Additionally, 11 individuals were convicted for fraud-related offences 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 varying prison terms ranging from three months to ten years, with some given the option of fines between N10,000 and N500,000, depending on the severity of their offences.

The court emphasized that the sentences were intended to deter violent crimes and kidnapping, which remain persistent threats in Bauchi State. The statement from the Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and supporting government efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.