The Kaduna State Government has pushed back against widespread social media claims regarding the recent death sentence handed down to Victor Solomon, popularly known as Zidane, describing them as false and misleading.

In a statement addressing the controversy surrounding the January 6, 2026, judgment, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Sir James A. Kanyip, emphasized that the judicial process was transparent, lawful, and strictly based on evidence presented in court.

Kanyip clarified that Solomon underwent two separate criminal trials in different High Courts, involving distinct offences and different victims:

  • In the first case (Charge No. KDH/KAD/73C/2020), involving criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide, Solomon was discharged and acquitted on May 21, 2024.
  • In the second case (Charge No. KDH/KAD/78C/2020), which included more serious charges such as criminal conspiracy, grievous harm without provocation, and culpable homicide punishable by death, the trial concluded in October 2025. This led to his conviction and a sentence of death by hanging on January 6, 2026.

“There is no contradiction in the court outcomes being referenced online,” Kanyip stated. “Victor Solomon was tried in two completely different cases. He was acquitted in one in 2024, but lawfully convicted in another in 2026 based on the evidence before the court.”

The Attorney-General stressed that the conviction was not arbitrary or politically motivated, but followed full due process and judicial evaluation of the facts. He noted that Solomon retains his constitutional right to appeal the decision, potentially up to the Supreme Court.

The Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, also weighed in, warning that the spread of misinformation and half-truths about judicial matters could inflame tensions and threaten public order. He urged Kaduna residents to verify facts before sharing information online.

The government reaffirmed its commitment, under Governor Uba Sani, to upholding the rule of law, fairness, and inclusivity, assuring citizens that justice in Kaduna State remains transparent and impartial.

The case has sparked significant online debate, with some viewing Solomon’s actions as self-defense against alleged attacks on his Adara community in southern Kaduna (stemming from incidents around 2018), while others highlight the conflicting court outcomes as evidence of potential inconsistencies in the judicial system. Groups like the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have pledged to monitor the case closely as appeals proceed.

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