A Kwara State High Court has delivered a decisive verdict in a violent neighbourhood dispute, sentencing a man to five years behind bars for the brutal attack on his neighbour.
Justice Served for Shao Garage Attack
Justice I. Olawoyin of the Kwara State High Court found Abdullateef Yakubu guilty on two counts: attempted culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt. The conviction stems from a terrifying incident on December 26, 2023, in the Shao Garage area of Ilorin.
The court heard how Yakubu used a knife to slit the throat of his neighbour, Abubakar Babatunde. The attack sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a swift legal response.
A Robust Prosecution Case
The state's case was robustly presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman Esq. The prosecution team called four witnesses to testify, ensuring a thorough examination of the facts.
The victim, Abubakar Babatunde, was among those who gave evidence against the defendant. Yakubu, in his defence, testified on his own behalf and called his father as a witness. After carefully weighing the evidence from both sides, Justice Olawoyin found the defendant guilty as charged.
Concurrent Sentences Handed Down
The judge imposed the following sentences:
- Five years’ imprisonment for the offence of attempted culpable homicide.
- Three years’ imprisonment with a fine of N50,000 for causing grievous hurt.
Justice Olawoyin ordered that both sentences run concurrently. This means Abdullateef Yakubu will serve a total of five years in prison.
Judiciary's Stance on Violent Crime
Speaking with journalists after the court session, the Attorney General affirmed that the prosecution had secured justice in the matter. He stated that the conviction and sentence underscore the Nigerian judiciary's commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable for their actions.
This case serves as a stark reminder that violent conduct, especially between neighbours, carries severe legal consequences. The Kwara State judiciary has demonstrated its resolve to uphold the law and protect citizens from harm.
