A High Court in Kebbi State has delivered a decisive verdict in a chilling murder case, sentencing a 40-year-old man to death for the killing of a young woman in a hotel.
Court Delivers Maximum Sentence for Heinous Crime
Bello Musa has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of 31-year-old Shamsiyya Usman. The judgment was delivered by Hon. Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwa at the State High Court in Birnin Kebbi. The court found Musa guilty on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and cheating, offences under Sections 60(b), 191(b), and 308 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law 2021.
The prosecution, led by Barr. Zainab Muhammad Jabbo from the Ministry of Justice, established that Musa lodged in a hotel in Birnin Kebbi with the deceased. The evidence presented showed that he allegedly poisoned Shamsiyya Usman through a soft drink. After the act, he reportedly fled the scene, leaving her body in the hotel room.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
The crime came to light following the discovery of the corpse, which triggered a police investigation leading to Musa's arrest. He was formally arraigned on 22 November 2024. During the trial, the prosecution presented a strong case, calling eight witnesses and tendering four exhibits. Key evidence included the defendant's statements, obtained in both Hausa and English, at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Birnin Kebbi.
In contrast, the defence counsel, Barr. S. K. Mungadi, called only the defendant to testify without presenting any additional witnesses. After carefully considering all the evidence and exhibits, the court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Verdict and Ongoing Manhunt
In his ruling, Justice Kuwa convicted and sentenced Bello Musa to death by hanging for the offences of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. For the charge of cheating, he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment. The court also issued an order concerning a second suspect connected to the case, who remains at large. The judge directed that once apprehended, the individual must be brought before the court to face trial.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's stance on severe crimes and brings a measure of legal closure to a case that has drawn significant attention in Kebbi State.
