A Kano State High Court on Monday sentenced a 22-year-old man, Najibullah Alkasim, to death by hanging for killing his neighbour during a street celebration at Dakata Quarters in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Justice Farida Dabappa, who delivered the judgment, held that the prosecution had established its case of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt against the accused.
“I hereby sentence Alkasim to death by hanging for stabbing the deceased on his chest, which resulted in his death,” Justice Dabappa ruled.
The tragic incident occurred on January 19, 2024, during a party organized to celebrate an election victory in the community.
According to the prosecution, the convict stabbed his neighbour, Isyaku Ya’u, during a heated argument.
Prosecution counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, told the court that the misunderstanding escalated quickly, leading Alkasim to pull out a sharp, pointed screwdriver and stab Ya’u in the chest.
“The defendant stabbed the deceased during the quarrel, and the injury led to his immediate death,” the prosecutor said.
The state tendered several pieces of evidence, including a medical report, a photograph, the screwdriver used in the attack, and a confessional statement said to have been made by the convict.
Four witnesses also testified for the prosecution.
Despite the evidence, Alkasim denied committing the offence.
His defence counsel, Tasiu Daneji, presented two additional witnesses in an attempt to counter the prosecution’s claims.
However, the court rejected the defence argument, holding that the facts of the case aligned with the provisions of Section 221(a) of the Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for culpable homicide.
The judgment brings to a close a nearly two-year trial that drew attention within the Dakata community, where residents had long awaited justice for Ya’u.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the convict will remain in custody pending the execution of the sentence or further legal appeal.
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