Usman Kalau Kano
A Kano State High Court has sentenced one Abdulaziz Adamu to death by hanging for the murder of his employer, Alhaji Ali Alhassan, whom he kidnapped and killed after collecting a ₦15 million ransom.
Adamu, a resident of Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, was found guilty on a three-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide.
His co-defendant, Abdullahi Alhassan of Danladi Nasidi Quarters, was discharged and acquitted.
According to the prosecution led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, the incident occurred on June 16, 2024, when Adamu, in alleged collaboration with Abdullahi, abducted Alhassan at Dawakin Kudu.
The abductors reportedly demanded and received ₦15 million from the victim’s family.
The court heard that after collecting the ransom, the suspects struck the victim on the head and chest with heavy sticks and later buried him within his residence in Dawakin Kudu.
The prosecution presented two witnesses and Adamu’s confessional statement during the trial.
Both defendants denied committing the offences, although Adamu later pleaded for leniency.
The charges were filed under Sections 97, 273, and 221(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Kano State.
Delivering judgment, Justice Aisha Mahmoud ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against Adamu.
She sentenced him to death by hanging for causing the fatal injuries that led to the victim’s death, praying for mercy on his soul.
However, Mahmoud acquitted the second defendant, Abdullahi, noting that the prosecution failed to establish any physical evidence linking him to the crimes.
She also observed that the kidnapping charge under Section 273 of the Penal Code applies only to minors, whereas the victim was an adult, falling under Section 274 instead.
“The evidence is insufficient,” the judge held before formally discharging and acquitting Abdullahi.
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