Two persons sentenced to d3ath by hanging and surgical castration for r3pe
On March 5, 2025, the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development announced the conviction of three individuals for heinous crimes of rape. Two of the convicts, John Moses and Yakubu Mohammed, were sentenced to death by hanging and surgical castration, while the third, Mustapha Musa, was handed a life sentence. These convictions come as part of an ongoing effort by the ministry to address and deter sexual violence in the state. The sentences, particularly the combination of death by hanging and castration, have drawn attention to both the severity of the crime and the measures the state is taking to fight sexual violence.
These convictions have sparked intense debate about the effectiveness and morality of such extreme punishments, as well as the broader issue of sexual violence and its impact on victims and society at large. This article will explore the legal aspects surrounding the case, the public reactions to these sentences, and the wider implications for law enforcement and justice systems in Nigeria.
Rape is a deeply traumatic crime that affects individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Under Nigerian law, particularly the Penal Code Law of 2017, rape is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person without their consent. This can include cases involving minors, where it is referred to as statutory rape. Incest, the other crime committed by John Moses, involves sexual relations between close relatives and is considered a particularly grave violation of both societal norms and the law.
The crimes committed by John Moses, Yakubu Mohammed, and Mustapha Musa have not only harmed their victims physically but also undermined the moral fabric of society. The specific nature of the crimes committed by these three individuals further emphasizes the need for stringent measures to combat sexual violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
In Kaduna State, the legal framework for addressing crimes such as rape and incest is primarily governed by the Penal Code Law of 2017. This law outlines various provisions related to criminal offenses, including sexual offenses like rape. Section 258(1) of the Penal Code Law stipulates the punishment for those convicted of rape. The law allows for severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the severity and circumstances of the offense.
The sentences handed down in these cases align with the provisions of the Penal Code Law, which includes both life sentences and capital punishment for severe sexual offenses. Specifically, the combination of death by hanging and surgical castration for John Moses and Yakubu Mohammed underscores the state’s commitment to taking extreme measures to combat sexual violence. Castration, in this case, is seen as a deterrent, ensuring that the perpetrators will never again be able to harm their victims in such a way.
The case involving Mustapha Musa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, illustrates that the law allows for varying degrees of punishment depending on the particulars of the case, including the age of the victims, the circumstances of the crime, and whether the perpetrator has previous convictions. In this case, while the crime of rape was severe, it did not result in the same level of punishment as in the cases of Moses and Mohammed, who were convicted of incest as well.
Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, played a pivotal role in the prosecution of these cases. In her statement to the media, she described the convictions as a “good development” for the state and hoped that they would serve as a deterrent to other potential offenders. The ministry’s role is to advocate for the rights of victims, secure justice for those who have been violated, and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences.
The involvement of the ministry highlights the increasing focus on combating sexual violence in Kaduna State. By securing three convictions between June 2024 and February 2025, the ministry is actively working to uphold the law and provide support for victims of sexual violence. This legal action sends a strong message about the state’s commitment to creating a safer environment for women and children, particularly in a society where sexual violence is often underreported and perpetrators frequently go unpunished.
The sentences handed down to John Moses, Yakubu Mohammed, and Mustapha Musa reflect the serious nature of their crimes. The death penalty by hanging, combined with surgical castration, is one of the most severe punishments available in Nigerian law. It serves as both a retributive and deterrent measure. For many, this extreme punishment may seem appropriate given the grave nature of the crimes. However, it also raises significant ethical questions about the morality of such harsh penalties.
The sentences of death by hanging and surgical castration for John Moses and Yakubu Mohammed have generated intense debate. The rationale behind the decision seems to be twofold: to ensure that the perpetrators are permanently incapacitated and to send a clear message about the state’s stance on sexual violence. Castration, in particular, is viewed as a means of rendering the offenders unable to commit sexual crimes in the future, while the death penalty serves as the ultimate punishment for their actions.
Supporters of these extreme sentences argue that they are necessary to send a strong message about the severity of sexual violence in the state. They contend that sexual violence, especially when it involves minors or incest, is a crime that deserves the harshest of penalties. In a society where many victims of sexual violence face social stigma and inadequate legal support, these severe punishments may be viewed as a necessary step in ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
However, critics of such measures argue that the use of castration as a punishment is cruel and inhumane, and that the death penalty is an outdated and ineffective form of deterrence. Some argue that these extreme measures may violate human rights and that the focus should instead be on rehabilitation and support for victims. There is also concern that such sentences could lead to human rights abuses or be applied disproportionately to certain groups.
Mustapha Musa’s case, in contrast, resulted in a life imprisonment sentence, a less extreme but still severe punishment for his crimes. Life imprisonment ensures that the perpetrator will spend the rest of his life in prison, unable to harm others. This sentence may reflect the fact that while Musa’s crimes were grave, they did not involve the same degree of sexual violence or familial betrayal as those committed by Moses and Mohammed.
The decision to impose life imprisonment instead of the death penalty reflects a nuanced approach to sentencing. While the crime of rape is still a serious offense, the legal system has the discretion to impose a sentence that aligns with the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it. In this case, life imprisonment serves as a deterrent while also allowing for the possibility of rehabilitation.
The public reaction to these convictions has been mixed. Some segments of society have praised the sentences, viewing them as a necessary step toward addressing sexual violence and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. For many, the death penalty and castration are seen as appropriate consequences for the perpetrators of such horrific crimes.
However, others have raised concerns about the potential for human rights violations and the morality of such extreme punishments. There are those who question whether the state should have the authority to impose such severe sentences, particularly when it comes to issues like surgical castration. Critics argue that the focus should be on creating a more effective justice system that prioritizes the protection and support of victims, rather than relying on punitive measures that may cause more harm than good.
The case of John Moses, Yakubu Mohammed, and Mustapha Musa represents a significant moment in the ongoing battle against sexual violence in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole. These convictions send a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face serious consequences for their actions. Whether or not these extreme sentences will serve as a deterrent remains to be seen. However, they represent a crucial step in the fight for justice and accountability in a society where sexual violence is often underreported and inadequately prosecuted.
The convictions also highlight the need for broader reforms in the legal and justice systems, particularly in addressing issues like victim support, the prosecution of sexual violence, and the protection of vulnerable populations. In the long run, it is essential to create a justice system that balances punishment with the rehabilitation of offenders, while also prioritizing the rights and needs of victims.
The convictions of John Moses, Yakubu Mohammed, and Mustapha Musa represent a pivotal moment in the fight against sexual violence in Kaduna State. While the extreme punishments of death by hanging and surgical castration have sparked significant debate, they also reflect the severity of the crimes committed and the state’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual violence. These cases serve as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and the need for continued efforts to create a justice system that protects both victims and society as a whole.
As the legal system continues to evolve, it is essential to find a balance between retribution and rehabilitation, ensuring that justice is served while also prioritizing the protection of human rights. The cases of Moses, Mohammed, and Musa serve as a stark reminder of the need for strong legal frameworks, effective law enforcement, and a justice system that works for all Nigerians.
EXCERPT
Two persons identified as John Moses and Yakubu Mohammed have been sentenced to d3ath by hanging and surgical castration for r3pe in Kaduna State.
The state Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, who disclosed this to Daily Trust on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, stated that a third person, Mustapha Musa, was sentenced to life imprisonment for r3pe.
She said the ministry had secured three convictions of r@pe charges between June 2024 and February 2025.
She described the convictions as a good development and hoped it would serve as a deterrent to others.
“The ministry secured a conviction on the 7th day of June 2024 before Hon. Justice Nana in KDH/KAD/57c/2023; State Vs. John Moses wherein the Defendant was convicted in a two-count charge of r3pe and incest under Section 258 1 of the Penal Code Law 2017 as amended and sentenced to d3ath by hanging and surgical castration,” she said.
“The ministry also secured a conviction on the 6th day of February 2025 before Hon. Justice B.Yusuf in KDH/KAD/69c/2023; State Vs. Yakubu Mohammed, wherein the Defendant was convicted on 2 counts of R3pe under Section 258 1 of the Penal Code Law 2017 as amended and sentenced to d3ath by hanging and surgical castration.
“The ministry again secured another conviction on the 24th day of February 2025 before Hon. Justice Isa Aliyu in KDH/KAD/66c/2021; State Vs. Mustapha Musa, wherein the Defendant was convicted on 2 counts of R3pe under Section 258 of the Penal Code Law and sentenced to life imprisonment.”
She said the cases were handled by M.P. Danjuma Esq. and Halimatu S. Bello Esq.
Soorce: LIB
