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."