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.”