Jigawa court sentences four to death by hanging over witchcraft killing

By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

A Jigawa State High Court No. 5, under the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Ado Yusuf Birnin-Kudu, has sentenced four individuals, including a husband, wife, and two relatives, to death by hanging after convicting them of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

The convicted individuals—Hassan Isah (55), Adama Yahaya (42), Abdullahi Yahaya (35), and Maryam Daso Yahaya (28)—were found guilty for their involvement in the beating death of 30-year-old Salamatu Musa, who was accused of witchcraft.

The incident was said to have occurred in 2019 when the convicts allegedly beat Salamatu Musa with a stick, resulting in her death.

The court was informed that the convicts had accused Salamatu Musa of causing the death of their son through witchcraft.

The four individuals, who all lived with the deceased at their home in Kwan-Dole Village, Mallam-Madori Local Government Area, Hadejia Emirate, claimed that her alleged evil acts led to their loss.

During the trial, the court heard from five witnesses and reviewed a medical report and confessional statements from the defendants.

After thorough examination, the court found the accused guilty under Sections 97 and 221(b) of the Penal Code Laws for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

In his judgment, Justice Ado Yusuf Birnin-Kudu stated that the convicts were fully aware that their actions would likely result in the death of Salamatu Musa.

 The judge sentenced them to six years in prison for criminal conspiracy and death by hanging for the culpable homicide charge.

The court also granted the convicts a 90-day window to appeal the sentence.