Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Minna High Court has convicted and sentenced five men to death by hanging for armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and causing grievous hurt, after the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of High Court No. 4 delivered the judgment on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, ruling that all issues raised by the prosecution had been resolved in favour of the state and against the defendants.
The convicts — Mikisal Ibrahim, Abubakar Ibrahim, Anthony Ibrahim, Aliyu Mohammed, and Murtala Junaidu, all residents of Minna, the Niger State capital — were arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and causing grievous hurt. The offences were punishable under Sections 1(1) and 2(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, as well as Section 247 of the Penal Code Law and Cap 94, Laws of Niger State.
According to the prosecution, led by Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi of the Niger State Attorney‑General’s office, the five convicts, on July 9, 2023, at about 2:15 a.m., stormed the residence of Alhaji Abdulkareem Abdullahi, owner of the Talakawa Pharmacy building in the Tunga area of Minna. Armed with dangerous weapons, including machetes, cutlasses, and cudgels, they robbed him of cash amounting to N250,000 and other valuables. The prosecution told the court that the robbery operation lasted for more than three hours, during which the attackers held members of the victim’s household hostage. At the end of the operation, they dispossessed the family of four mobile phones, an HP laptop belonging to the victim’s daughters, and jewellery.
During the trial, four witnesses testified for the prosecution, including investigating police officers from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) and the victim’s daughters, who narrated their ordeal before the court.
Delivering a judgment that lasted over two hours, Justice Mohammed said he had carefully examined all the evidence, exhibits, testimonies of witnesses, and statements made by the defendants before the police. The judge held that the prosecution had established the offences against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt and consequently found them guilty on all three counts. “Having resolved the issues raised against the defendants, they are hereby convicted accordingly and sentenced to death by hanging until they are certified dead,” the judge declared.
The convicts have the right to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal. As of the time of this report, their legal representatives had not indicated whether they would challenge the death sentence. The case has drawn attention to the persistent security challenges in Minna and the determination of the judiciary to deliver justice in serious criminal matters.
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