Sokoto indigene who murdered lady in Kebbi hotel arraigned in court

From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi

An indigene of Sokoto State identified as Bello Musa has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Birnin Kebbi by the Police on charges of culpable homicide, false information and fraudulent activities.

Musa was accused of having lodged at room 412, Shagalinku Hotel, Tudun Wada, Birnin Kebbi with Shamsiyya Usman, 31 years, now deceased, of Go-Slow area Birnin Kebbi and allegedly poisoned her drink, leading to her death in the hotel room.

The accused was arraigned before the Magistrate for crimes contrary to sections 193,140 and 142 of the Kebbi State Penal Code of 2021.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) read to the defendant, Bello Musa, also known as Katuka Dingyadi, who hails from Bodinga Local Government, Sokoto State, he replied that he was not guilty of the charges.

The FIR states, “On 26/6/2024, Bello Musa, went and lodged at room 412, Shagalinku Hotel, Tudun Wada, Birnin Kebbi with Shamsiyya Usman, 31 years, now deceased, of Go-Slow area Birnin Kebbi”.

The Charge sheet further narrated that,  “At about 10 am, Bello Musa poisoned her drinks of Maltina, 5Alive and Swan Water, and after drinking them, she died on the spot”.

He is also accused of abandoning her dead body and escaping to an unknown destination.

The Police Prosecutor Inspector Muntari Mati informed the Court that Bello Musa was arrested on 2/7/2024, at Sweet Hotel, Dangoro area, Marjani Street, Katsina Town, where he gave false information to the Receptionist, claiming that his name is Zubairu Sani from Minna, Niger State to avoid arrest.

The FIR revealed that during a search on him, Bello Musa was found in possession of 18 different ATM cards from different Banks, which he confessed to have used to defraud bank customers.

During the plea taken, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the offences read to him.

The Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector Muntari Mati, applied for an adjournment to enable the Police to complete investigations for further proceedings.

Ruling on the application, the Judge, Chief Magistrate, Usman Umar Bunza, adjourned the case to the 25th of July 2024, for further mention to take the Case File to the Ministry of Justice for Advice.

Chief Magistrate Bunza ordered the accused person to be remanded in the Custodial Centre pending his next appearance.