A Kano State High Court on Tuesday sentenced a 25-year-old man, Bara’u Sa’idu, to 20 years’ imprisonment for killing his 64-year-old uncle during a dispute over farmland.
Sa’idu, a resident of Jarimawa Village in Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State, had earlier pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge of culpable homicide.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, called four witnesses and tendered exhibits to establish its case before the court.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Aug. 7, 2021, in Jarimawa Village. During a confrontation arising from a misunderstanding over farmland, Sa’idu struck his uncle, Magaji Yusuf, on the head with a club.
The prosecution told the court that the deceased sustained severe head injuries, which eventually led to his death. The offence was said to contravene Section 221 of the Penal Code Law.
In his defence, Sa’idu told the court that he had no intention of killing his uncle, claiming he acted in self-defence.
“I was trying to defend myself; that was why I hit him with a stick,” he said.
Defence counsel, Mr. Dele Olaniyan, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing.
Delivering judgment, Justice Maryam Sabo held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty.
The court subsequently sentenced Sa’idu to 20 years’ imprisonment under Section 225 of the Penal Code Law for unintentional homicide.
