A High Court in Jigawa State has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing a man to death by hanging for the rape of a 15-year-old boy. The ruling marks a significant application of the state's Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.
Landmark Judgment Under New Law
Hon. Justice Ado Yusif Birnin-kudu presided over the case and found the convict, Abubakar Muhd, popularly known as Akuya, guilty of the crime. The offence was committed in Nomi Village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, January 8, 2026, concluding a legal process that began in March 2022. The trial experienced delays attributed to the need for gathering additional evidence and securing witness testimony, which ultimately contributed to a robust prosecution.
Legal Reclassification and Conviction
A pivotal aspect of this case was the legal reclassification of the charge. Initially treated as a sodomy case, it was later prosecuted as rape under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of 2012, as implemented in Jigawa State.
This law crucially expanded the definition of rape to include same-sex rape, allowing prosecutors to pursue a more severe charge. Justice Birnin-kudu stated that the convict committed the offence contrary to Section 3(1) a&b of the VAPP Law and was punishable under Section 3(2) 4 & 5 of the same law.
The court found Muhd guilty of having unlawful carnal intercourse with the minor, leading to the capital sentence.
Compensation and Official Reactions
In addition to the death sentence, Justice Ado Yusif Birnin Kudu ordered the convict to pay the sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) as compensation to the victim.
The prosecution team, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Jigawa State Ministry of Justice, Barr. Yahaya Abdullahi, hailed the judgment as sound and just. "This will serve as a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate such heinous crimes," Abdullahi stated, commending the state judiciary for its commitment to justice.
Echoing this sentiment, the Director of Publicity and Protocol for the Jigawa State Judiciary, Abbas Wangara, praised the decision. He emphasized that the ruling sends a strong message to potential offenders and reaffirmed the state government's dedication to fully implementing the VAPP Law to protect citizens from all forms of violence.
The successful conviction was attributed to the strong evidence presented in court by the prosecution counsel, securing justice for the young victim after a prolonged legal battle.
