A Yobe State High Court sitting in Damaturu has sentenced 45-year-old Abubakar Musa, popularly known as Daddy, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of killing his wife, Ammi Adamu Mamman, in January 2024.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by High Court 1 in Damaturu, nearly three years after the incident that led to Musa's arrest and prosecution.
The court convicted Musa of culpable homicide after determining that the prosecution had established the essential elements of the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
According to reports of the judgment, the court rejected the defendant's plea of not guilty, holding that his defence could not withstand the credible evidence presented by the prosecution.
Musa was arrested by operatives of the Yobe State Police Command on January 4, 2024, following the killing of his wife at the New Bra-Bra Housing Estate in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
He was subsequently arraigned and prosecuted over the incident.
The killing attracted public attention in January 2024, particularly among women's rights organisations and members of the Yobe State University community, where the deceased had worked.
At the time, the Women-led Civil Society Organisations Network of Yobe State condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued on January 7, 2024, the organisation alleged that Ammi was attacked while sleeping beside her husband and sustained a fatal injury to her neck from a sharp object.
The group expressed concern about violence against women within domestic settings and called on security agencies to ensure accountability.
It also extended condolences to the deceased's family and urged relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Yobe State University similarly mourned Ammi's death, describing her as a valued member of its workforce.
In a condolence message published in the university's February 2024 newsletter, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mala Mohammed Daura, acknowledged her contributions to the institution and expressed sympathy to her family.
The university also documented a public demonstration by female staff members calling for justice for their late colleague.
Following Musa's arrest, the case proceeded through the judicial system, with prosecutors presenting evidence to establish criminal responsibility for the killing.
In its judgment on Wednesday, the High Court concluded that the evidence was sufficient to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
The court consequently found Musa guilty and imposed the death sentence by hanging.
The ruling represents the conclusion of proceedings at the trial court, although the convict retains the right to challenge the judgment through the appellate courts.
Reports of the decision indicate that Musa may appeal within the period prescribed by law.
A death sentence pronounced by a trial court does not necessarily mean that an execution will take place immediately. The convict may pursue available appeal procedures, and any enforcement must comply with the applicable legal requirements.
The judgment brings a significant development in a case that attracted calls for justice following Ammi's death in 2024.
For women's rights advocates, the case has also drawn attention to concerns about domestic violence and the protection of women within their homes.
However, the court's finding concerns Musa's individual criminal responsibility, and the judgment should not be taken as establishing broader claims about domestic violence without supporting evidence.
As of the latest reports, it was not clear whether Musa or his legal representatives had filed an appeal against the conviction or sentence.
The court's full written judgment, including the detailed assessment of evidence and applicable statutory provisions, was not available in the reports reviewed.
Stone Reporters News will continue to monitor developments, including any appeal filed against the conviction and the outcome of subsequent proceedings.
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