Man bags 20 years for killing uncle in Kano

A High Court in Kano State has sentenced a 25-year-old man, Bara’u Sa’idu, to 20 years in prison for killing his uncle during a dispute over farmland.

Sa’idu, who lives in Jarimawa Village in Bagwai Local Government Area, had earlier pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge of culpable homicide.

The prosecution, led by Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, presented four witnesses and tendered several exhibits to establish its case.

The court heard that the incident occurred on Aug. 7, 2021, at about 6 a.m. in Jarimawa Village.

According to the prosecution, Sa’idu struck his 64-year-old uncle, Magaji Yusuf, on the head with a club during a confrontation stemming from a disagreement over farmland.

The victim reportedly suffered severe head injuries, including the loss of one eye, which ultimately led to his death.

The prosecutor told the court that the offence contravened Section 221 of the Penal Code Law.

In his defence, Sa’idu maintained that he had no intention of killing his uncle, claiming he acted in self-defence during the altercation.

Defence counsel, Dele Olaniyan, appealed to the court to show leniency in sentencing.

Delivering judgment, Justice Maryam Sabo held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty.

The court subsequently sentenced Sa’idu to 20 years’ imprisonment under Section 225 of the Penal Code Law, which deals with unintentional homicide.