In Nigeria, a controversial court case involving a man identified as Victor Solomon, popularly called “Zidane” by members of his Adara community, has continued to generate strong reactions across southern Kaduna and beyond.
According to reports from the Adara community in Kaduna State, Solomon was convicted by a state High Court and sentenced to death by hanging in January 2026 over his alleged involvement in a violent incident tied to communal clashes in the region. Community groups, however, maintain that he acted in defence of his people during periods of repeated attacks in 2018.
Background of the 2018 violence in Kaduna
The case is widely linked to the wider insecurity crisis that affected parts of southern Kaduna in 2018. One of the most widely reported incidents was an attack on the Kasuwan Magani market, where armed assailants struck a busy trading centre. Official figures at the time reported dozens of deaths, while local accounts claimed higher casualties. The violence heightened tensions between farming communities and suspected armed groups operating in the region.
In the days that followed, further incidents were reported, including the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler, the Agwam Adara, whose convoy was reportedly ambushed after leaving a meeting with state officials. The killings and reprisals contributed to an already fragile security situation across several Adara settlements.
Arrests and legal proceedings
In the aftermath of the violence, arrests were made by security agencies. While authorities pursued multiple suspects, community leaders and human rights advocates have long argued that justice for victims of the attacks has been incomplete, alleging that many perpetrators were never successfully prosecuted.
Victor Solomon was among those arrested and later charged in connection with events during this period. His supporters say he became involved while attempting to protect his community during the unrest.
Court proceedings in his case have reportedly been lengthy and complex. According to accounts circulated by community representatives, one trial outcome in 2024 cleared him of certain charges, while a later judgment in 2026 resulted in a conviction and a death sentence. Legal observers note that cases involving communal violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt often move through multiple appeals and retrials, depending on evidentiary and procedural issues.
Community reaction
The Adara Development Association and other local groups have described Solomon as a member of the community who became entangled in violence while trying to defend his people. They have called for further judicial review of the case and urged authorities to ensure fairness and transparency in handling all parties involved in the wider conflict.
At the same time, state authorities maintain that judicial processes were followed and that the ruling was based on evidence presented in court. Officials have also warned against the spread of misinformation around sensitive security-related cases, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary.
Wider security context
Kaduna State has for years been one of the Nigerian states affected by recurring rural violence involving armed criminal groups, communal disputes, and attacks on farming settlements. The federal government has also implemented rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives for individuals who surrender from armed groups, aimed at reducing long-term insurgency and encouraging disarmament.
These policies have generated mixed public reactions, with some viewing them as necessary for peacebuilding, while others argue they do not sufficiently address justice for victims of violence.
Ongoing debate
The case of Victor Solomon has become part of a broader national conversation about justice, accountability, and reconciliation in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria. Human rights advocates continue to call for consistent prosecution of all perpetrators of violence, regardless of affiliation, while community groups insist that victims and defendants alike deserve fair and transparent legal treatment.
As legal processes continue, the case remains under public attention, reflecting the deep and unresolved tensions in parts of Kaduna and the wider Middle Belt region.
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