A Kano State High Court has sentenced a 21-year-old man, Umar Idris, to death by hanging for the murder of a shop owner, Sabiu Umar, in Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
The trial judge, Justice Sunusi Ado-Ma’aji, delivered the verdict after finding Idris guilty of culpable homicide, ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the incident occurred on September 2, 2021, at about 10:30 p.m. in Tsamiya Mariri Quarters, Kano.
The court heard that Idris allegedly broke into the victim’s shop, where he also resided, and attempted to steal bridal materials meant for his wedding.
The intrusion reportedly triggered an alarm raised by the deceased, leading to a confrontation between both men.
During the struggle, Idris was said to have stabbed the 28-year-old victim multiple times in the neck, shoulder, and other parts of the body, resulting in his death.
To establish its case, the prosecution presented three witnesses and tendered the defendant’s confessional statement as evidence.
However, Idris denied committing the offence.
Defence counsel, Muftau Bello, called two witnesses and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
In his judgment, Justice Ado-Ma’aji held that the evidence before the court clearly established that the defendant carried out the fatal attack.
“I hereby sentence Umar Idris to death by hanging for killing the victim by stabbing him in the neck, shoulder and other parts of his body. May God have mercy on his soul,” the judge ruled.
The conviction underscores the severity of penalties for violent crimes under Nigerian law, particularly offences bordering on culpable homicide.
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