Minna court sentences five to death by hanging for armed robbery
Minna High Court Sentences Five to Death for Armed Robbery
A Minna High Court has sentenced five individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in an armed robbery. The ruling was issued by Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of High Court No. 4, who concluded that the prosecution met the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The convicts—Mikisal Ibrahim, Abubakar Ibrahim, Anthony Ibrahim, Aliyu Mohammed, and Murtala Junaidu—are all residents of Minna. They faced a three-count charge that included criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and causing grievous hurt.
The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General of Niger State, represented by Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi, under various legal provisions, including the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act and the Penal Code Law.
According to the prosecution, the defendants attacked the residence of Alhaji Abdulkareem Abdullahi, owner of the Talakawa Pharmacy building, in the Tunga area of Minna on July 9, 2023, around 2:15 a.m. Armed with weapons such as machetes and cudgels, they allegedly stole N250,000 in cash and various personal belongings.
The robbery reportedly lasted over three hours, during which members of the victim’s household were held hostage. The attackers also took four mobile phones, an HP laptop, and jewelry belonging to the victim’s daughters.
During the trial, four witnesses testified for the prosecution, including investigating officers from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department and the victim’s family members, who recounted their ordeal.
In the judgment, which lasted more than two hours, Justice Mohammed reviewed all evidence, witness testimonies, and defendant statements. He asserted that the prosecution successfully established its case, ruling in favor of the prosecution on all key issues.
“Having perused all the evidence and testimonies, the issues raised are hereby resolved in favor of the prosecution and against the defendants,” Justice Mohammed stated. He concluded that the defendants were guilty on all three counts and imposed the death penalty.
“Having resolved the issues raised against the defendants, they are hereby convicted accordingly and sentenced to death by hanging until they are certified dead,” the judge announced.
