Adamawa Court Sentences Three Men to Death for Kidnapping Two Priests

The Adamawa State High Court sentenced Taledo Demiel, Namomai Medan and Mikaila Yusuf to death for kidnapping Catholic priests Matthew Dutsemi and Abraham Sauman in February 2025. Justice Christopher Mapeo found them guilty of several offences, including conspiracy to kidnap and commit armed robbery, harbouring kidnapped people and negotiating ransom. The DSS said the ruling brought to seven the number of death sentences it had secured in 2026, in cases involving kidnapping, terrorism and armed violence. The sentences remain subject to applicable legal procedures, including any appeals.