A Jigawa State High Court has sentenced a couple and the wife’s two siblings to death by hanging for the murder of a 30-year-old woman, Salamatu Musa, who was accused of witchcraft.
The court found the four individuals guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, with the judge stating that they committed the offense with full knowledge of its probable consequence: death.
In his judgement on December 4, 2024, Justice Birnin-Kudu submitted, “The court finds the accused guilty of committing the offence with full knowledge of its probable consequence: death. Therefore, the court hereby sentences them to six years imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy and death by hanging for culpable homicide.”
The convicts, identified as Hassan Isah (55), Adama Yahaya (42), Abdullahi Yahaya (35), and Maryam Daso Yahaya (28), were arrested in 2019 and prosecuted for the crime.
The prosecution presented five witnesses, a medical report, and the convicts’ confessional statements, which convinced the court of their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The judgment has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a victory for human rights and justice, while others have expressed concerns about the death sentence.
Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, a human rights activist, said the judgment sends a strong message against jungle justice and promotes the rule of law.
“This judgment sends a strong message against jungle justice and promotes the rule of law. It’s a victory for human rights and justice.”
However, the counsel to the convicts, Mustapha Kashim, has vowed to challenge the judgment within one week, citing mixed feelings about the ruling.
Kashim expressed concerns that the judgment only serves justice to the victim, neglecting the dependants and society.
“The appeal process may involve reviewing the trial proceedings and assessing whether the death sentence was justified,” he revealed.
“Our swift decision to appeal underscores the importance of ensuring justice is served. The appeal process will scrutinise the trial proceedings, ensuring that the convicts received a fair hearing.
“The appeal process will provide a fresh perspective on the case, examining the trial proceedings and the imposition of the death sentence. The outcome will have significant implications for the convicts and the community.”
The convicts have 90 days to appeal the ruling, and Kashim has already informed the court registrar of his intention to appeal. The appeal process may involve reviewing the trial proceedings and assessing whether the death sentence was justified.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.