In a groundbreaking development, a court has handed down life sentences to three individuals convicted of kidnapping Amra Ahmad Diska, a journalist working for Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Yola. The court, presided over by Justice Danladi Mohammed, also sentenced two others to 10 and 5 years of imprisonment respectively.
The kidnappers, identified as Habib Maki, Barde Usman, and Umar Mammajoda, targeted the victim, who was a nursing mother at the time of the incident. Their actions were deemed heinous, leading to the severe punishment imposed by the court.
In addition to the three main culprits, the court sentenced Umar Abubakar to 10 years of imprisonment or the option to pay a fine of N1 million. Abubakar was found guilty of providing crucial information about the victim. Hamman Husseini, who pleaded guilty to the charges, was sentenced to 5 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the charges filed against the five convicted individuals, as well as Dogo Chongel Pullori, Dabo, and Bello (who are still at large), they conspired to abduct Ahmadu Njoboli and Amra Ahmad Diska from their respective homes in Yola South LGA.
On May 4, 2021, armed with guns, the convicts and three others invaded the residence of Ahmad Isa Mbamba in Mbamba, Yola South. They abducted his wife, who endured a harrowing 7-day ordeal until her family paid a ransom of N4 million to secure her release.
Furthermore, on September 11, 2021, the same group of criminals kidnapped Ahmadu Njoboli, detaining him for 19 days and demanding a ransom of N5 million before finally releasing him.
Subsequently, five out of the eight kidnappers were apprehended and brought before the court on October 7, 2021. While four pleaded not guilty, one of the perpetrators admitted to committing the offenses.
This court verdict sends a strong message about the gravity of such crimes. It serves as a stern warning to potential offenders and underscores the justice system’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of individuals within society