A dramatic chapter has closed in Minna after a High Court sentenced five men to death by hanging for their involvement in a violent armed robbery that left an entire family traumatized.
Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of High Court No. 4 in Minna delivered the landmark judgment, ruling that prosecutors had successfully proven their case beyond reasonable doubt against the accused persons.
The convicted men — Mikisal Ibrahim, Abubakar Ibrahim, Anthony Ibrahim, Aliyu Mohammed, and Murtala Junaidu — were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and causing grievous harm following a lengthy trial.
According to court proceedings, the incident occurred in the early hours of July 9, 2023, when the gang allegedly invaded the residence of Alhaji Abdulkareem Abdullahi, the owner of Talakawa Pharmacy building, located in the Tunga area of Minna.
Prosecutors revealed that the attackers, armed with dangerous weapons including machetes, cutlasses, and cudgels, stormed the home at about 2:15 a.m. and launched a terrifying operation that reportedly lasted for more than three hours.
During the attack, members of the household were allegedly held hostage while the suspects carted away cash, mobile phones, jewelry, and an HP laptop belonging to the victim’s daughters. The stolen cash alone was valued at approximately N250,000.
The case was prosecuted by the Niger State Attorney General’s office through Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi, Esq., under relevant provisions of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act and other applicable laws.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses, including investigating police officers from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) and the victim’s daughters, who gave emotional accounts of their experience during the robbery.
In a judgment that reportedly lasted more than two hours, Justice Mohammed said he carefully reviewed all exhibits, witness testimonies, and statements obtained from the defendants before reaching his decision.
The court concluded that the prosecution had established all elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the five defendants were convicted on all counts and sentenced to death by hanging.
The ruling has sparked widespread reactions, with many residents describing it as a strong message against violent crime and armed robbery in the state.
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