Jigawa Court Sentences Couple, Brother, Sister To Death By Hanging For Culpable Homicide

The Jigawa State High Court, under the presiding judge Hon. Justice Ado Yusuf Birnin-Kudu, has convicted and sentenced a husband, wife, and two relatives to death by hanging for the offence of culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy.

The convicts—Hassan Isah (55), Adama Yahaya (42), Abdullahi Yahaya (35), and Maryam Daso Yahaya (28)—were arrested in 2019 and charged with the death of Salamatu Musa, a 30-year-old woman, after she was allegedly beaten with a stick by the accused. The family claimed that the deceased was a witch, and her supposed evil actions led to the death of their son.

The court proceedings included testimony from five witnesses, a medical report, and confessional statements, which collectively led to the conviction. The defendants were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, punishable under Sections 97 and 221(b) of the Penal Code Law.

In his ruling, Justice Birnin-Kudu noted that the defendants acted with full knowledge that their actions would likely result in the victim’s death. Accordingly, he sentenced them to six years imprisonment for criminal conspiracy and death by hanging for the offence of culpable homicide.

The convicts have a right to appeal the judgment within 90 days.