Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing uncle over farmland

A Kano State High Court has sentenced one Barau Saidu to 20 years in a correctional center for the killing of his uncle following a dispute over farmland. The convict, a resident of Jarimawa village in the Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State, had initially pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge of culpable […]

A Kano State High Court has sentenced one Barau Saidu to 20 years in a correctional center for the killing of his uncle following a dispute over farmland.

The convict, a resident of Jarimawa village in the Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State, had initially pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge of culpable homicide.

During the trial, the State Prosecutor, Barrister Abba Lamido Sorondinki, presented four witnesses and tendered several exhibits to support the case. 

Barrister Sorondinki informed the court that the incident occurred on August 7th, 2025 at about 6am. 

He stated that the convict attacked his uncle, Magaji Yusuf, hitting him on the head with a club during a physical altercation sparked by a misunderstanding over a farm.

According to the prosecution, the deceased sustained severe head injuries and lost an eye, which ultimately led to his death. 

The prosecution said the act is contrary to Section 222 of the Penal Code.

In his plea, the defense counsel, Barrister Dele Olaniyan, argued that his client did not intend to kill his uncle. 

He maintained that Saidu was acting in self-defense and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Delivering the judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Maryam Sabo, said she was satisfied with the evidence provided by the prosecution witnesses. 

She found the defendant guilty of the offence and sentenced him to 20 years in a correctional facility, pursuant to Section 225 of the Penal Code regarding unintentional homicide.