Kano court sentences man to death by hanging

By Ramatu Garba

A Kano State High Court, on Wednesday, sentenced a 21-year-old man, Umar Idris, to death by hanging for stabbing a shop owner, Sabiu Umar, 28.

Idris, who lives at Farawa Quarters Kumbotso Local Government Area, was convicted on a one-count charge of culpable homicide.

The Prosecution Counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, told the court that Idris committed the offence on Sept.2, 2021 at Tsamiya Mariri Quarters Kano.

He said that on the same date, at about 10:30 p.m, Idris trespassed into the deceased’s shop, where he also lived at Tsamiya Mariri Quarters Kano and stole wedding clothes he kept for his bride.

“The deceased raised an alarm after spotting the defendant, leading to a struggle.

“In the process the defendant stabbed the deceased with a sharp knife in the neck, shoulder and other parts of the body which caused his death” Abba-Sorondinki said.

Abba-Sorondinki presented three witnesses and the confessional statement of Idris. The defendants, however, denied committing the offences.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 221(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Kano State.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Muftau Bello presented two witnesses and pleaded for leniency on behalf of the defendant.

Delivering judgment, Justice Sunusi Ado-Ma’aji held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against Idris.

“I hereby sentence Idris to death by hanging for stabbing the victim on his neck, shoulder and other parts of his body, which resulted in his death.

“May the Lord have mercy on his soul,” he said.