A Jigawa State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Ado Yusuf Birnin-Kudu, has sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.
The convicted individuals, including a husband, wife, the wife’s brother, and her sister, were found guilty of murdering Salamatu Musa, a 30-year-old woman they accused of witchcraft.
The judgment, delivered on December 4, 2024, concluded a legal process that began in 2019, following the arrest and prosecution of the accused.
The convicts, identified as Hassan Isah (55), Adama Yahaya (42), Abdullahi Yahaya (35), and Maryam Daso Yahaya (28), all residents of Kwan-Dole Village in Mallam-Madori Local Government Area, were found to have conspired and fatally attacked Salamatu Musa with a stick.
They claimed the victim’s alleged witchcraft was responsible for the death of their son.
In his ruling, Justice Birnin-Kudu stated, “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 prosecution presented five witnesses, a medical report, and the convicts’ confessional statements, which proved their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt under Sections 97 and 221(b) of the Penal Code Laws.
Commenting on the case, Abbas Rufa’i Wangara, Director of Protocol and Publicity for the Jigawa State Judiciary, said, “This judgment underscores the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all, irrespective of social or cultural beliefs.”
The convicts have 90 days to appeal the ruling, which has sparked mixed public reactions, highlighting the cultural and legal complexities surrounding the case.
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