Court Sentences Herdsman to Death By Hanging, Details Emerge
- A High Court sitting in Maiduguri has sentenced an 18-year-old herdsman, Adamu Mohammed, to death by hanging
- The defendant killed 19-year-old Adamu Ali during a fight in Auno, Konduga local government area of Borno State
- Justice Mohammed Maina explained the reason why the defendant's argument of self-defence cannot stand or save him from the punishment of the law
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Maiduguri, Borno State - An 18-year-old herdsman, Adamu Mohammed, has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing 19-year-old Adamu Ali in Borno State.
A High Court sitting in Maiduguri found Mohammed guilty of murder during a fight in Auno, Konduga Local Government Area of the state.
Justice Mohammed Maina delivered the judgment that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant struck his fellow herder on the head with a cutlass during a clash in the bush on January 19, 2025.
It was gathered that the victim was later confirmed dead at the State’s Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.
As reported by Daily Truts, court records showed that although Mohammed initially pleaded guilty, the court entered a not-guilty plea because the charge carries capital punishment.
The prosecution called two witnesses and tendered exhibits, including the defendant’s extra-judicial statements and the medical report.
Mohammed admitted to engaging the deceased in a cutlass fight in both statements.
According to the defendant, he acted in self-defence, but the court dismissed the claim.
Justice Maina noted inconsistencies in his testimony and the absence of evidence showing he could not retreat or avoid the fatal blow.
Delivering his judgement, the judge held that the force used was excessive and unjustified.
The court added that the defendant’s actions met the ingredients of culpable h0micide punishable with death under Section 191(a) of the Borno State Penal Code Law, 2023.
Herdsmen: Tinubu announces alternative: "Surrender illegal weapons"
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on the herders' association in Nigeria to embrace the opportunities at the newly established Ministry of Livestock.
The president made the call while addressing the growing herders-farmers clashes in some parts of the country.
Tinubu also called on the association to surrender all illegal firearms in the custody of the herdsmen across the country.
Miyetti Allah petitions US Congress, rejects terrorism claims
Legit.ng also reported that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria formally petitioned the US Congress and demanded the removal of its name from a proposed sanctions list.
The group of herdsmen insisted it was a lawful socio-cultural body and argued that the US lawmakers relied on misleading information.
MACBAN said pastoralists were also victims, not perpetrators, and warned that mischaracterisation could worsen insecurity.
Source: Legit.ng
