Nasarawa Court Delivers Death Sentence in 11-Year-Old Herder Murder Case
In a significant judicial ruling, the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Lafia has sentenced one Saidu Idi to death by hanging for the crimes of armed robbery and culpable homicide. The judgment, delivered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Aisha Muhammed Usman, on Monday, February 2, 2026, brings closure to a protracted legal battle that has spanned over a decade.
Details of the Case and Charges
Saidu Idi was arraigned before the court on a three-count charge that included criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. These charges stemmed from a violent incident that occurred in 2015, which resulted in the death of a herdsman in the Kopuna area of a local government within Nasarawa State. After thorough proceedings, the court discharged Idi on the count of criminal conspiracy but found him guilty on the more severe counts of armed robbery and culpable homicide.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of Nasarawa State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaac Danladi, presented evidence indicating that the victim was first shot before being robbed of his valuables and money. Danladi described the judgment as a landmark decision, emphasizing that it was reached without fear or favour after both the prosecution and defense were given ample opportunity to present their cases.
"This is a case that has lasted for about 11 years," Danladi stated. "At the end of the day, the court discharged the defendant on conspiracy but found him guilty of armed robbery and culpable homicide. Judgment has now been served, and it will serve as a deterrent to criminal elements."Defense Plans Appeal Amidst Criticism
However, the defense counsel, Chidi Okorie Kanu, has expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and announced intentions to challenge it at the appellate court. Kanu faulted the judgment, citing alleged inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, particularly regarding the reliability of witness testimony.
"The journey of this litigation does not stop here," Kanu declared. "We appreciate the efforts of the Honourable Chief Judge, but we are not satisfied with the judgment. We will study it and file an appeal, as one of the prosecution witnesses could not even remember making a statement, raising doubts about their recollection of the incident."Kanu added that the matter would be taken to the Court of Appeal to test the propriety of the decision, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities in this high-profile case.
Implications and Broader Context
This case underscores the challenges in Nigeria's judicial system, where lengthy trials can delay justice. The ruling also touches on broader issues of security and communal conflicts in regions like Nasarawa, where herder-related violence has been a persistent concern. The death sentence, while controversial, reflects the court's stance on severe crimes, aiming to uphold law and order.
As the defense prepares for an appeal, this case remains a focal point for discussions on criminal justice, witness reliability, and the deterrent effect of capital punishment in Nigeria.
