Amanze Chinonye
The death sentence handed down to Victor Solomon, popularly known as Zidane, by a Kaduna State High Court has reignited national debate over Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the scope of self-defence under the law, and allegations of religious bias in conflict-related prosecutions.
Solomon, a Christian from the Adara ethnic group in Southern Kaduna, was arrested in 2018 during the administration of former Governor Nasir el-Rufai following violent attacks on Adara communities. His supporters maintain that he acted in self-defence while repelling armed assailants during communal violence. Prosecutors, however, charged him with murder.
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On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Kaduna High Court convicted Solomon and sentenced him to death by hanging.
Double Jeopardy at the Heart of the Controversy
At the centre of the public outcry are claims by human-rights advocates that Solomon was prosecuted twice for the same offence, a situation that raises serious concerns of double jeopardy, a constitutional safeguard that prohibits a person from being tried or punished more than once for the same crime.
According to these claims, Solomon faced identical murder charges in two separate state high courts. While one court reportedly acquitted him, another court in Kaduna State later convicted and sentenced him to death.
Legal practitioners note that if the facts are confirmed, the case could represent a prima facie breach of the protection against double jeopardy under Nigerian law. However, full certified records of both proceedings have not yet been made public, leaving the precise legal sequence unresolved.
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Allegations of Bias and Judicial Compromise
The conviction has drawn condemnation from faith-based organisations and civil-rights advocates who argue that the verdict amounts to punishment for self-defence rather than a fair application of criminal law.
The Christian Emergency Alliance, in a widely circulated statement, described the sentence as unjust, asserting that Solomon was targeted for defending his community during attacks attributed to Fulani militants.
“Victor Solomon, a Christian who defended his community, has been sentenced to death,” the group said. “He was acquitted in one court but condemned in Kaduna. This is not okay. Pray for Zidane, his family, and his community.”
Some advocacy groups have further alleged that religious identity influenced the trial, including claims relating to the faith of the presiding judge. These allegations remain unproven and have not been independently verified by judicial authorities.
Human-rights activist Steven Kefas, who says he visited Solomon at the Kaduna Correctional Centre in October 2025, said the condemned man believed the earlier acquittal would bar any further conviction.
“He believed the principle of double jeopardy would protect him,” Kefas said. “But that belief proved tragically misplaced.”
Public Reaction and International Solidarity
The sentencing sparked widespread reaction online, with the hashtag #FreeZidane trending across social-media platforms. Calls for judicial review and international intervention have followed.
Among those expressing solidarity was Troy Brewer, a globally renowned guitarist, who issued a public message of support.
“This is my brother. I’ve never met him, but I’m praying for him today,” Brewer wrote. “Please stand with him and every Christian throughout the world who is being persecuted.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religious bodies have also condemned the judgment and called for an urgent appellate review.
Southern Kaduna’s Long Shadow of Violence
Southern Kaduna has endured years of recurring violence involving armed attacks on rural communities, displacement, and reprisals. The crisis intensified following the assassination of the Adara paramount ruler, HRH Maiwada Galadima, a development that further inflamed ethnic and political tensions.
Supporters of Solomon argue that his case must be understood within the context of systemic insecurity and the failure of the state to protect vulnerable populations, leaving communities to fend for themselves.
Awaiting Appeal
Victor Solomon remains on death row, pending appeal or further judicial intervention. Legal experts say the appellate courts will be pivotal in determining whether double jeopardy protections were violated and whether the claim of lawful self-defence was adequately evaluated.
Beyond the fate of one man, the case has become a focal point for broader concerns about justice, constitutional safeguards, religious coexistence, and public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.
As the appeals process unfolds, Solomon’s case continues to cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s legal and moral conscience.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
