In a significant legal development in Nigeria, a High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State, has handed down a death sentence to Abubakar Musa, aged 45, who is commonly known as Daddy. He was found guilty of culpable homicide for the killing of his wife, Ammi Adamu Mamman, and will face execution by hanging.
Mr. Musa was apprehended by officers of the Yobe State Police Command on 4th January 2024, following the demise of his 42-year-old wife at their shared residence in the New Bra-Bra Housing Estate, Damaturu. Subsequently, he was formally charged with culpable homicide.
According to the police's account of events, the convict initially reported the incident himself. He claimed to the authorities that he discovered his wife had suffered a fatal stab wound to her neck while they were both asleep in the same bed. He further stated that he was roused by his wife's shouts and, upon waking, found her bleeding profusely from the neck injury.
The police narrative continued, detailing Musa's assertion that he witnessed a man holding a knife. He reportedly confronted this individual, but two other persons allegedly came to the man's assistance, facilitating his escape from the scene.
However, after meticulously presiding over the case, Justice G.K. Kaigama, the Chief Judge of the Yobe State High Court No. 1, determined that Musa was indeed guilty of culpable homicide. The court's verdict was delivered on Wednesday, following compelling testimonies from eight prosecution witnesses.
Justice Kaigama rejected the defendant's plea of not guilty, affirming that the prosecution had successfully established all the fundamental elements required for a charge of culpable homicide and had presented its case beyond any reasonable doubt.
Throughout the proceedings, Musa, represented by his legal team, steadfastly maintained his innocence, arguing that other individuals had broken into their home and were responsible for his wife's death.
The judge informed the convict of his entitlement to appeal the judgment within the legally mandated 30-day period, in accordance with applicable law.