Court sentences man to death for raping 15-year-old boy
A Jigawa State High Court has sentenced a rapist, Abubakar Muhd, popularly known as Akuya, to death by hanging and ordered him to pay N5 million in compensation to his 15-year-old victim.
The case, which was filed in March 2022, was not prosecuted until 2026, as the trial had been delayed due to various reasons, including the need for additional evidence and witness testimony.
According to reports, the case was classified as a sodomy case, but with the new law being implemented in Jigawa State, it was reclassified and charged as ‘rape’ under the new law (Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2012,) which broadened the definition of rape to include same-sex rape, allowing for the prosecution to pursue a more severe charge.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Ado Yusif Birnin-kudu, found Muhd guilty of raping a 15-year-old boy from Nomi Village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
“The convict committed the offence contrary to Section 3(1) a&b of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, and punishable under Section 3(2) 4 & 5 of the VAPP Law, 2012, of Jigawa State,” Justice Birnin-kudu said.
The court also found the convict guilty of having unlawful carnal intercourse with the minor, and subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
READ ALSO: My uncle rapes me, then wipes my privates with cloth — 16-year-old girl
Commenting on the judgment, the prosecution counsel led by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Jigawa State Ministry of Justice, Barr. Yahaya Abdullahi stated that “the judgment is sound and justly delivered.”
“This will serve as a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate such heinous crimes,” he added.
Abdullahi commended the state judiciary for its steadfast commitment to justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The prosecution counsel, led by Abdullahi, presented strong evidence in court, which led to the conviction of the rapist.
The convict has been remanded in custody pending the execution of the sentence.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
