Three Men Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping Catholic Priests in Adamawa

On Thursday, an Adamawa State High Court sentenced three men to death for their role in the kidnapping of two Catholic priests in February 2025. The court found Taledo Demiel, Namomai Medan, and Mikaila Yusuf guilty of several serious crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery.

Justice Christopher Mapeo delivered the judgment, stating that the men were involved in a conspiracy to commit kidnapping, as well as negotiating to receive ransom for the release of Reverend Fathers Matthew Dutsemi and Abraham Sauman.

This case marks the seventh death sentence given this year by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria. Earlier sentences this year included cases related to kidnapping and armed robbery across various states.

In May 2026, two men were sentenced to death in Ekiti State for kidnapping. Other courts in June 2026 also sentenced individuals to death for their involvement in serious crimes, including a massacre at a church and other kidnappings.

The ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and related crimes reflects the government’s efforts to address safety and security issues in the region.