“Educator Sentenced to 15 Years Behind Bars for Teen’s Tragic Death in Taraba”

A High Court convened in Jalingo has condemned a 27-year-old Islamic instructor, Mallam Mubarak Hassan, to 15 years of incarceration for the slaying of a 16-year-old youth, Mustapha Ishyaku.

The event took place in Mutum Biyu, within the Gassol Local Government Area.

Pronouncing the verdict on Friday, the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, found Hassan guilty of culpable homicide not punishable by death and sentenced him to 15 years in prison without the option of a fine.

Justice Agya indicated that the case, noted as TRSJ/29C/2023, was initiated on June 20, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney General of the state. He emphasized that the defendant was charged on two counts relating to abduction and culpable homicide under applicable sections of the Taraba State Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition (Amendment) Law No. 2 of 2019 and the Penal Code Law of Taraba State, 1997.

The court was informed that the prosecution claimed Hassan kidnapped the victim, killed him, and secretly buried his remains in a shallow grave near the Dankuturu area of Mutum Biyu.

Nevertheless, the judge determined that the prosecution did not establish the claims of kidnapping and abduction beyond a reasonable doubt. He also acknowledged the defense’s assertion that the police inquiry was inadequate and that essential witnesses were not summoned to testify.

Regarding the culpable homicide charge, Justice Agya stated that the prosecution did not present a case justifying the death penalty, referencing the lack of an eyewitness account and the failure to submit the alleged murder weapon as evidence.

However, he concluded that despite what he characterized as insufficient evidence, the prosecution adequately proved culpable homicide not subject to the death penalty.

In response to the ruling, Counsel for the defendant, Dahiru Modibbo, who had previously urged the court to show leniency, stated he would contest the decision.