Islamic Cleric Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Teenage Boy's Murder in Taraba
A Taraba State High Court sitting in Jalingo has delivered a significant judgment, sentencing a 27-year-old Islamic cleric, Mallam Mubarak Hassan, to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of a 16-year-old boy, Mustapha Ishyaku. The tragic incident occurred in Mutum Biyu, located within the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Court Delivers Verdict on Culpable Homicide Charge
On Friday, March 27, 2026, the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, presided over the case and convicted Hassan for culpable homicide not punishable by death. The court imposed a sentence of 15 years imprisonment without an option of fine, specifying that the jail term is to run from March 3, 2022, the date of his arrest by the police.
However, in a notable aspect of the judgment, Justice Agya discharged and acquitted the defendant on the charges of abduction and kidnapping. The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General of Taraba State on June 20, 2022, involved two main counts: abduction under Section 3(a) of the Taraba State Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition (Amendment) Law No. 2 of 2019, and culpable homicide under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code Law of Taraba State, 1997.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments in the Case
The prosecution had alleged that Hassan abducted the victim, murdered him, and buried his body in a shallow grave along Dankuturu in Mutum Biyu. Despite these claims, Justice Agya ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegation of kidnapping and abduction beyond reasonable doubt. The defense contended that the police did not conduct a proper investigation, citing legal provisions such as Section 3 of the Taraba Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition Law, the Penal Code, and Section 21 of the Evidence Act 1999 as Amended.
Furthermore, the defense argued that the prosecution did not call material witnesses to testify and pointed out that there was no eyewitness to establish the case of culpable homicide. They also noted that the stick allegedly used on the victim was not tendered before the court as evidence.
Judge's Determination and Legal Implications
In determining the suit, Justice Agya held that while the prosecution could not prove culpable homicide punishable by death, they were able to establish the case with weak evidence, leading to a conviction for culpable homicide not punishable with death. This nuanced legal decision highlights the complexities of proving such charges in court.
Reactions from Legal Representatives
Reacting to the judgment, the deputy director of State Prosecution, Mrs. Ayiatsipu Johanna, expressed gratitude to the judge, describing the ruling as one that further exposed them to legal knowledge. On the other hand, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Dahiru Modibbo, who had earlier pleaded for the court to temper justice with mercy, announced his intention to appeal the judgment.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian judiciary to address violent crimes while adhering to legal standards of evidence and due process. The sentencing of Mallam Mubarak Hassan serves as a reminder of the consequences of such acts, even as legal debates continue over the specifics of the charges and evidence presented.
