Jibrin Halilu Death Sentence: Kogi High Court orders hanging for kidnapper who collected N2.5 million ransom before killing Uche Offo
A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has handed down a death sentence to Jibrin Halilu after convicting the defendant for kidnapping and killing hotel proprietor Uche Offo despite collecting a N2.5 million ransom from the victim’s family.
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Justice Abdul Awulu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, finding Halilu guilty on two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping under Sections 12, 6(1) and 4(3)(a) of the Kogi State Kidnapping and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law, 2023.
The ruling marks a significant development in the state’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, a crime that has remained a major security challenge across parts of Kogi and neighbouring states in recent years.
During the trial, the Department of State Services (DSS), which prosecuted the case, told the court that Halilu and members of his gang abducted Uche Offo, proprietor of Ever Ready Hotel in Angwa-Tiv, Obajana, on March 23, 2023.
According to the prosecution, the kidnappers demanded and received a ransom of N2.5 million from Offo’s family. Despite the payment, the victim was later killed.
A DSS source familiar with the investigation disclosed that Offo reportedly recognised Halilu as his neighbour while being held captive.
Investigators believe the recognition may have influenced the gang’s decision to kill the victim after collecting the ransom.
The court heard that evidence presented by the prosecution established Halilu’s involvement in the abduction and subsequent death, leading to his conviction and sentence.
Beyond the Offo case, investigations also linked Halilu and members of his gang to another kidnapping incident involving Ibrahim Abdullahi in Oshokoshoko community, Lokoja, on April 2, 2023.
The gang was said to have collected N5 million from Abdullahi’s family before eventually releasing the victim.
The conviction adds to a growing number of prosecutions under Kogi State’s strengthened anti-kidnapping laws, which prescribe severe penalties for offenders found guilty of kidnapping-related crimes.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that kidnappings for ransom remain one of the most persistent threats to public safety, particularly along major highways and rural communities, prompting renewed enforcement measures and coordinated operations against criminal gangs.
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With the judgment, authorities say the case sends a powerful message about the consequences of violent crimes and the determination of law enforcement agencies to pursue justice for victims and their families.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
