Man, 37, to hang for killing step-daughter

A Talata Mafara High Court in Zamfara,
yesterday, sentenced one Abdullahi Abubakar,
37, to death by hanging for the murder of his step-daughter.

The convict, of Tungar-miya village in the
Talata Mafara Local Government Area, was
arraigned in August 2008 for putting a
poisonous substance, suspected to be
Germaline, in his step-daughter's food, which led to her death.

Justice Bello Gummi said the court was
convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the
accused committed the offence as confessed by him in a statement.

Gummi said the convict intentionally and with the knowledge that death or grievous bodily injury would be the probable consequence of his action, poisoned his step-daughter, Suwaiba.

Justice Bello held: "The court, therefore,
finds and holds that the prosecution has
established the guilt of the accused person as charged.

I accordingly sentence you to death and you
will be hung by the neck until you die. This
judgment is subject to confirmation by the
state governor."

Counsel to the convict, Mr. Benn Ezza, said
the judgment came to them as a surprise.

He said: "We will study the judgment and
establish the next line of action."

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