Jalingo: Justice Joel Agya of the Taraba State High Court, No 1, delivered a significant verdict, sentencing four individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in an attempted kidnapping case. The court, sitting in Jalingo, found Prosper Paul, Samuel David, Nosiu Buba, and Samuel Kelvin guilty of criminal conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, and kidnapping.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Justice Agya based his judgment on Sections 4 and 5 of the Taraba State Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition Law of 2019, as amended. Prosper Paul, the first defendant, received a 12-month sentence for criminal conspiracy without an option for a fine. Samuel David, Nosiu Buba, and Samuel Kelvin, identified as the second, third, and fourth defendants respectively, were sentenced to life imprisonment for attempted kidnapping, having been cleared of the conspiracy charge.

The prosecution initiated the case in November 2021, presenting six witnesses to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, in accordance with Section 97 (1) of the Law of Taraba State 1997 concerning kidnapping and abduction. Conversely, the defense counsel argued for acquittal, citing insufficient evidence, such as the lack of direct eyewitnesses and confessional statements, as required by Section 136 of the Evidence Act 2022.

Justice Agya acknowledged the defense’s assertion regarding inadequate police investigation into the case. Despite this, the court upheld the prosecution’s position, leading to the life sentences. The defense’s plea for leniency, highlighting Prosper Paul’s reformed character and leadership in a chaplaincy group within the correctional facility, was noted but did not alter the outcome.

Mr. Mustapha Adam, Deputy Director Citizen’s Rights at the Ministry of Justice, expressed approval of the judgment, describing it as a landmark decision that underscores the seriousness of such offenses in Taraba State.