Man, 37, to hang for killing step- daughter

A Talata Mafara High Court in Zamfara,
yesterday, sentenced one Abdullahi
Abubakar, 37, to death by hanging for
the murder of his step-daughter.
The convict, of Tungar-miya village in
the Talata Mafara Local Government
Area, was arraigned in August 2008 for
putting a poisonous substance,
suspected to be Germaline, in his step-
daughter's food, which led to her death.
Justice Bello Gummi said the court was
convinced beyond reasonable doubt
that the accused committed the offence
as confessed by him in a statement.
Gummi said the convict intentionally
and with the knowledge that death or
grievous bodily injury would be the
probable consequence of his action,
poisoned his step-daughter, Suwaiba.
Justice Bello held: "The court, therefore,
finds and holds that the prosecution
has established the guilt of the accused
person as charged.
"I accordingly sentence you to death
and you will be hung by the neck until
you die. This judgment is subject to
confirmation by the state governor."
Counsel to the convict, Mr. Benn Ezza,
said the judgment came to them as a
surprise.
He said: "We will study the judgment
and establish the next line of action."