A Kano High Court has handed down a severe judgment, sentencing two men, Aliyu Hussaini and Amir Zakariyya, to death by hanging for their involvement in the murder of Buhari Imam, a respected lecturer at Northwest University, Kano. The landmark judgment was delivered on Monday by Justice Fatima Adamu, who found the defendants guilty on a comprehensive three-count charge encompassing conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.

Justice Adamu's pronouncement underscored the gravity of the crime, stating, “The action of the defendants shows total disregard for human life.” In her detailed sentencing, she further declared, “I hereby sentence the defendants to five years’ imprisonment each for conspiracy, 10 years’ imprisonment each for robbery without an option of fine. The convicts are hereby sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide. May God have mercy on them.” The court was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt, leading to the stern verdict.

The horrific incident, as narrated by Prosecution Counsel Mr. Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, occurred on June 11 at the Sheka Sabuwar Abuja Quarters in Kano. According to the prosecution, the convicts, Aliyu Hussaini (of Sheka Sabuwar Abuja Quarters) and Amir Zakariyya (of Unguwar Malam Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area), conspired and armed themselves with dangerous weapons, specifically long knives and machetes. They launched an attack on Professor Buhari Imam in his home during the early hours of the morning, around 3:30 a.m.

During the brutal assault, the defendants not only robbed the victim of his mobile phone but also inflicted fatal injuries by stabbing him multiple times in the stomach, thigh, and back, which ultimately led to his death. To substantiate their case, the prosecution presented three key witnesses and tendered crucial pieces of evidence, including comprehensive medical reports and photographs of the deceased, solidifying the charges against Hussaini and Zakariyya.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, both Aliyu Hussaini and Amir Zakariyya denied committing the offences during the trial. Their defense counsel, Mr. Haruna Saleh-Zakariyya, presented the convicts to testify and subsequently pleaded for leniency on their behalf. However, the court found the evidence compelling enough for conviction. The offences committed were identified as direct violations of Sections 97(1), 298(c), and 221(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Kano State, underlining the serious legal ramifications of their actions.