Kebbi Court Sentences 3 To Death For Armed Robbery

A Kebbi State High Court 7, sitting in Birnin Kebbi, has sentenced three men: Abdul Mohammed, also known as Audu Dukku, Surajo Umar, alias Liman and Aliyu Abdullahi, to death for armed robbery and criminal conspiracy.

The convicts were arraigned on November 17, 2023, and stood trial on nine counts of armed robbery and criminal conspiracy, punishable under sections 1(2)(a), 60(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act 2004, and section 304 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law 2021.

Barrister Farida Muhammad, from the state Ministry of Justice, led the prosecution team, presenting eight witnesses, including the victims Hamza Dandare, a retired banker; Hon. Aminu Garba Dandiga, a former commissioner and Aisha Sahabi Tamba, among others.

The court received exhibits, including a cutlass, a rubber shoe, a plasma TV, N2.850 million and a black cap, as well as the defendants’ confessional statements in Hausa and English.

Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwa, in his ruling said, “The testimonies of PW 1, 3, 6, and 8 are good, credible, and corroborated and they were not contradicted or challenged by the defence.”

PW 1, Hamza Dandare, identified the first accused person, Abdul Mohammed, also known as Audu Dukku, as one of the robbers who attacked him at his residence opposite Mopol Barracks, Badariya area, Birnin Kebbi, stealing cash, mobile phones, dollar currency and other valuables.

The court noted that the defendants did not call or present any defence witness or witnesses, nor exhibits, but only stood to defend themselves before the court. During their arraignment, all three defendants pleaded not guilty and denied all the counts charged.

The court said the prosecution had discharged its duty in proving all the ingredients required to prove the offence of armed robbery and criminal conspiracy. The court found the defendants guilty of committing armed robbery and criminal conspiracy as charged, and the defendants are hereby convicted accordingly.

The court therefore sentenced them to death for the offence of armed robbery and criminal conspiracy, which was proven beyond any reasonable doubt by the prosecution.

Barrister C.C Ojun, the defence counsel, pleaded for leniency after his clients were found guilty and convicted as charged, citing previous judgments that reduced sentences from death to life imprisonment or prison terms.

However, the court ruled that it was bound by law to pass the mandatory sentence, but would only write to the governor, who is conferred with the powers to consider such a plea.