Kano high court sentences four to death by hanging

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

A Kano High Court has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for the murder of one Rilwanu Ilyasu in 2016.

The convicts, which included Abubakar Sadiq (alias Alhaji Sallari), Abdulmajid Jibrin, Nasiru Sani, and Yusuf Sani, were found guilty of executing the brutal murder of the said Ilyasu.

They were charged before the court with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, offences which contravened Section 97 and 221(b) of the Penal Code.

According to the prosecution, which was led by Barrister Safiya Yalwati, the convicted persons had stormed the residence of the deceased on the night of 13 April 2016, armed with an axe and other lethal weapons and attacked him.

The attack was reportedly motivated by suspicion that the deceased had tipped off some NDLEA operatives, leading to the arrest of the first defendant, the seizure of his illicit drugs and money totalling N27,000 only.

The prosecution told the court that the assault left Ilyasu with fatal injuries, which eventually led to his death.

The prosecution presented eight witnesses and tendered critical exhibits, including the murder weapon.

After a thorough review of the evidence, the court found the four accused guilty and sentenced them to death by hanging.

Speaking after the judgment, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude Kabir, SAN, who spoke through his media aide, Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim, said the judgment reflects the unwavering commitment of the Kano State Ministry of Justice to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.