A Kano State High Court has sentenced Nafi'u Garba and Abdulmalik Garba-Yaroro to 14 years imprisonment each for the murder of Surajo Garba. The convicts, residents of Tudun Murtala and Zango Line, Dakata Quarters in Kano, were found guilty of culpable homicide and abetment.
Judgment Delivered
Delivering judgment on Monday, April 27, 2026, Justice Hadiza Suleiman stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. She noted that the court considered the age of the defendants at the time of the offence and that the incident occurred during a fight. The judge sentenced each convict to 14 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Prosecution's Case
The prosecution counsel, Mr Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, informed the court that the offence occurred on March 16, 2019, at about 8:15 pm at Rimi Line, Zango Dakata Quarters, Kano. He explained that Garba-Yaroro held the victim's hands while Garba stabbed him in the back with a sharp knife during a misunderstanding over a girl. The victim later died from the injury sustained. The prosecutor presented three witnesses to prove the case.
Legal Framework
Abba-Sorondinki said the offence contravened Sections 85 and 221(b) of the Penal Code. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Defense Plea
The defense counsel, Mr M.B. Dan'azumi, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, considering the age of the convicts.
