Zamfara court sentences two men to death for murder

A Zamfara State High Court has sentenced two men, Abdulshakur Tukur and Abdullahi Buba, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of conspiracy and the murder of Ahmad Yakubu.

Chief Judge Justice Kulu Isa Aliyu said the judgment followed a careful review of the evidence and testimonies presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

The court found that the two men killed Yakubu in the Barakallahu area of Gusau on December 13, 2021.

In addition to the death sentence for culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code, the court also sentenced both men to seven years’ imprisonment for criminal conspiracy under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

After the judgment, Zamfara State prosecuting counsel Kabiru Samaila said he was satisfied with the verdict, noting that the prosecution presented enough evidence to secure the conviction.

The defence lawyer, Zakari Abubakar, said the trial was conducted peacefully but added that his team would study the judgment before deciding whether to appeal.

The court also ruled on other suspects linked to the case. Aminu Baba, who was accused of buying parts removed from the victim’s body, was struck out of the case after he died in custody.

Another suspect, Ahmad Tukur, was discharged and acquitted because the court found there was insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.

The case first drew national attention in January 2022 after the suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and cannibalism.

Three minors reportedly admitted to the charges during the early stages of the case, while the adult suspects denied the allegations before the matter was transferred to the High Court for trial.