Attack on Keke rider: Minna Court jails man 17 years for armed robbery, attempted murder
Minna High Court Sentences Man to 17 Years in Prison for Violent Attack
A 47-year-old man, Zingfa Nanboi, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison by a Minna High Court for his role in a violent attack on a commercial tricycle rider. This decision concludes a case involving attempted murder and armed robbery dating back to May 2022.
Justice Balkisu Gambo Yusuf delivered the ruling at Court Six of the Judiciary Complex, determining that the sentences would run consecutively. Nanboi was arraigned on three counts: criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide, and armed robbery, as brought forth by the Niger State Ministry of Justice.
Prosecutor Fatima Mohammed, a Director in the Ministry, stated that Nanboi’s actions violated the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act as well as the Penal Code Law of Niger State. The charges stem from an incident on May 22, 2022, when Nanboi allegedly conspired with an accomplice, Frank Moses, who remains at large, to attack commercial tricycle rider Adamu Saidu.
The court heard that Saidu had picked up the pair from the Obasanjo Complex in Minna for a ride to Maikunkele. Along Airport Road, Nanboi reportedly strangled Saidu with a cable and gagged him to prevent him from calling for help. During the assault, the victim was pushed from the moving tricycle and rendered unconscious.
Saidu regained consciousness in a nearby bush and was discovered the following morning by a passerby, who assisted him home.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses and submitted three pieces of evidence, including Nanboi’s statement and an audio-visual recording.
In her judgment, Justice Yusuf affirmed that the prosecution had met the burden of proof, establishing all three charges against Nanboi. “The offences of conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide, and armed robbery have been clearly established against the defendant,” the judge stated.
Defense counsel Chief Olukunle Oyewole requested leniency, highlighting that Nanboi is a married father and a first-time offender. However, Justice Yusuf sentenced him to 10 years for armed robbery and seven years for attempted culpable homicide, with no option for fines. The sentences will commence from the date Nanboi was first remanded in custody.
