Three Men Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping Nigerian Priests

The Adamawa State High Court of Justice in Yola, Nigeria, sentenced three men to death on October 22 for the 2025 abduction of two Catholic priests. Taledo Demiel, Namomai Medan, and Mikaila Yusuf were convicted of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and harboring kidnapped persons. The defendants were arrested by the Department of State Services while attempting to collect ransom, leading to the rescue of the Rev. Matthew Dutsemi and the Rev. Abraham Sauman after 15 days in captivity.

Reports indicate that Demiel served as an altar boy at the victims' parish, St. Anne Catholic Church in Numan County. Church leaders expressed concern regarding the internal nature of the crime, noting that the involvement of a parish member highlights the vulnerability of clergy to local security threats. In addition to the death sentences, the court imposed lengthy prison terms for the associated charges. This ruling marks the seventh death sentence handed down in Nigeria during 2026, prompting local clergy to reflect on the broader challenges of justice and safety within the region.