Ali Rabiu Ali
A high court sitting in Kaugama, Jigawa State, has sentenced Suleiman Bello, Auwalu Muhammed and Yakubu Muhammed to death by hanging over a nine-count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and armed robbery by using firearms.
The defendants were alleged to have killed one Audu Saje of Manda village in Kaugama Local Government Area of the state and made away with his motorcycle.
They also abducted one Hadiza Abdullahi of Marma town in Kirikasamma LGA reques and demanded a ransom of N150 million.
During a raid on the defendants’ hideout, three AK-47 rifles, one GPMG; nine magazines; 309 live ammunition; the sum of N2,070,000 and a motorcycle belonging to the late Audu Saje were said to have been found in possession of the defendants.
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The presiding judge, Justice M. M Kaugama, while delivering the judgment held that the prosecution led by the Attorney-General of Jigawa State, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, had successfully proved the offences against the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants (Suleiman Bello, Auwalu Muhammed and Yakubu Muhammed).
Five witnesses testified before the court.
The Court held further that, the Prosecution failed to prove the charge of Abduction and Theft against the Defendants.
However, the court discharged and acquitted the 2nd Defendant Ya’u Mai Hatsi on all the counts.
In another judgment, High Court No. 3 presided over by Honourable Justice M.A Sambo, sentenced one Mustapha Isa of Auramo Quarters, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa to 10 years imprisonment for the offence of sodomy.
The defendant was alleged to have lured an 11-year-old boy and assaulted him inside a shop.
On arraignment, Defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In a bid to prove the charge against the Defendant, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered four exhibits.
The exhibits tendered included a medical report and confessional statements.
At the close of the prosecution case, the Defendant opened his defence and testified for himself as DW1 and called one witness as DW2 and closed his case.
While delivering the judgment, Honourable Justice A M Sambo held that the Prosecution Counsel, Kabiru Abdullahi, had proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
