Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced 24-year-old Dahiru Yusuf Abbah to death by hanging for the killing of his father, Dahiru Yusuf, in the Sarkin-Noma area of Lokoja.
Justice M.M. Gwatana delivered the judgment on Monday, October 5, 2026, after finding Abbah guilty of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Kogi State Penal Code, 2019.
The court heard that the incident occurred on October 5, 2024, after which Abbah was arrested and prosecuted on charges of culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy.
According to the prosecution, Abbah attacked his father, inflicting fatal injuries. The victim was taken to hospital but was later confirmed dead on October 9, 2024.
During the trial, the prosecution called nine witnesses, including members of the deceased’s family, and tendered nine exhibits. Among the exhibits were clothing belonging to the defendant, a knife, blood samples and digital forensic evidence.
Although none of the prosecution witnesses directly witnessed the moment the fatal injuries were inflicted, Justice Gwatana held that the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge specifically considered the evidence surrounding the defendant’s blood-stained clothing alongside testimonies from members of the deceased’s family.
The court dismissed the separate criminal conspiracy charge, ruling that the prosecution had not produced sufficient evidence to establish that allegation.
In sentencing Abbah, the judge held that the prosecution had successfully proved the case of culpable homicide and imposed the death penalty by hanging.
The defence lawyers, Mohammed S. Inuwa and Mohammed S. Maihaja, indicated that their client would appeal the judgment. They reportedly argued that the judge relied on evidence they considered inadmissible in reaching the verdict.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Bala, head of the deceased’s family, welcomed the judgment, saying the family had sought justice over the killing.
The case began with the October 2024 incident in Sarkin-Noma, Lokoja, and concluded at trial level with the death sentence handed down almost two years later.
The judgment remains subject to any appeal that may be filed by the convicted man.
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