A High Court in Kebbi State has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing a 30-year-old man to life imprisonment for committing a grave offence against a minor. The court found Suleman Jidda, a resident of the Bayan Kara area in Birnin Kebbi, guilty of an unnatural offence involving a 10-year-old boy, marking a significant ruling in the state's judicial history.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Suleman Jidda was formally arraigned before the court on November 8, 2024, facing a one-count charge of unnatural offence. This charge was brought under Section 260 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021, which outlines stringent penalties for such acts. The legal process culminated in a decisive judgment delivered on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by Justice Shamsudeen Jafar.
Judicial Rationale and Evidence
In his ruling, Justice Shamsudeen Jafar emphasized that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He stated, "I have carefully examined all the evidence before the court and found that the prosecution’s evidence is cogent and corroborative. The prosecution has proved all the ingredients required to establish the offence beyond reasonable doubt." This thorough evaluation of evidence underscored the court's commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals in society.
Consequently, the court convicted Jidda and imposed a life imprisonment sentence, reflecting the severity of the crime and serving as a deterrent against similar offences. This ruling highlights the judiciary's role in upholding law and order, particularly in cases involving child protection and sexual offences.
