A Kano State High Court, on Thursday, sentenced one Abdulaziz Adamu to death by hanging for killing his boss, Alhaji Ali Alhassan, after abducting him and collected N15 million ransom.
Adamu, who lives at Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, was convicted on three-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and culpable homicide.
His co-defendant, Abdullahi Alhassan of Danladi Nasidi Quarters, was discharged and acquitted.
The Prosecution Counsel, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, told the court that Adamu committed the offence on June 16, 2024 at Dawakin Kudu Local Government.
He said that on the same date, about 11:30 a.m, Adamu conspired with Abdullahi and abducted the victim Alhassan.
“The defendants demanded and received N15 million ransom from the victim’s family.
“In the process, the defendants hit the victim on the head and chest with heavy sticks and later buried the corpse at his residence in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area,” he said.
Abba-Sorondinki presented two witnesses and the confessional statements of Adamu.
The defendants, however, denied committing the offences.
Adamu pleaded for leniency.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 97, 273 and 221(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Kano State.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Hussaini Ahmad-Makari, presented the defendants to defend themselves.
Delivering judgement, Justice Aisha Mahmoud held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against Adamu.
“I hereby sentence Adamu to death by hanging for hitting the victim on his head and chest, which resulted in his death. May the Lord have mercy on his soul,” she said.
Mahmoud, however, ruled that the prosecution failed to establish the case against the second defendant, Abdullahi
“The prosecution evidence is insufficient. There is no physical evidence linking the second defendant to the offences.
“The section cited for kidnapping Section 273 applies to minors, while the victim was an adult, which falls under Section 274. The charge ought to have been amended.
“I hereby discharge and acquit the second defendant, Abdullahi,” she ruled.
