Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing Friend Over Phone Charger

A High Court in Bauchi State has sentenced Usman Abdullahi to death by hanging for the murder of Zaidu Adamu Kofar Dumi after a dispute over a phone charger escalated into violence.

Justice Sa’ad Muhammad Sambuwal of High Court No. 9 delivered the ruling, convicting Abdullahi of culpable homicide and grievous harm. These offences, the court stated, violate Sections 221 and 239 of the Penal Code.

According to the prosecution, led by Barrister Abubakar Ahmed Kobi from the State Ministry of Justice, the incident occurred on May 12, 2021. Abdullahi allegedly got into an argument with Zaidu Adamu and his friend, Ziya’u Abdulhadi, over a phone charger. During the altercation, Abdullahi used a knife to stab Zaidu multiple times. The victim was rushed to the Specialist Hospital Bauchi, where medical personnel pronounced him dead.

The trial, which began on December 30, 2021, saw the prosecution charge Abdullahi with two offences: causing grievous hurt and culpable homicide. The court heard that the victim sustained fatal stab wounds to the stomach, neck, and other parts of his body.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel, Barrister Naziru Umar, called two witnesses and pleaded for leniency. However, after considering the evidence, Justice Sambuwal ruled that Abdullahi was guilty of the charges.

“I hereby convict Usman Abdullahi for the offence of culpable homicide punishable by death. You shall be hanged by the neck until you die, in accordance with Section 221 of the Penal Code. For the offence of grievous hurt, you are sentenced to five years in correctional service, as stipulated under Section 239 of the Penal Code,” the judge declared.