Zamfara Court Sentences Two to Death By Handing Over Gruesome Murder

The Zamfara State High Court 1, sitting in Gusau, has sentenced two men, Abdulshakur Tukur and Abdullahi Buba, to death by hanging for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of one Ahmed Yakubu.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, the Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Hon. Justice Kulu Isa Aliyu, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.


"The court, having carefully considered the evidence adduced, the exhibits tendered, and the testimonies of witnesses for both the prosecution and the defense, finds the 1st and 2nd defendants guilty as charged," Justice Aliyu ruled.

The court found the convicts guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide in respect of the killing of the deceased in the Barakallahu area of Gusau on December 13, 2021. 

The prosecution further established that after the murder, the convicts removed and harvested the victim’s throat, tongue, eyes, and genitals.


In sentencing, the court invoked relevant provisions of the Zamfara State Penal Code Law. "On Count 1 of Criminal Conspiracy, contrary to Section 97 of the Zamfara State Penal Code Law, you are each sentenced to seven years imprisonment," the Chief Judge held. 


"On Count 2 of Culpable Homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the same Penal Code Law, the sentence of this court upon you is death by hanging until you are pronounced dead," Justice Aliyu pronounced.


The convicts were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and acts of cannibalism under Sections 97, 218, and 221 of the Zamfara State Penal Code Law.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, the Prosecution Counsel, Kabiru Samaila, Esq., expressed satisfaction with the decision of the court. "We are satisfied with the judgment. The prosecution presented compelling and credible evidence before this honorable court, and justice has been served to the victim and his family," Kabiru Samaila stated.


The Defense Counsel, Zakari Abubakar, Esq., said his clients were accorded a fair trial but indicated that the judgment would be reviewed. "The trial was conducted peacefully and in accordance with due process. However, we will study the judgment thoroughly and advise our clients on the possibility of an appeal," Zakari Abubakar said.


The court also made pronouncements on other persons earlier linked to the case. The trial judge noted that Aminu Buba, who was alleged to have purchased parts of the deceased’s body, died while in custody at the Correctional Facility and was accordingly struck out of the charge sheet. "As regards Aminu Buba, the court takes judicial notice of his demise while in lawful custody. The name is hereby struck out of this charge," Justice Aliyu said.

The court further discharged and acquitted Ahmad Tukur, who was accused of luring the victim to the scene of the crime. "With respect to Ahmad Tukur, the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case linking him to the offenses. He is hereby acquitted and discharged," the Chief Judge ruled.


The judgment brings judicial closure to a case that generated widespread outrage after it came to public attention in January 2022.


Justice Aliyu said the sentence was intended to serve as deterrence and to uphold the sanctity of human life under the law. "This judgment reaffirms that the law will not tolerate acts of extreme violence and inhumanity. May it serve as a deterrent to others," she said.