metro

Five to die by hanging for killing Navy officer, two others in Kogi

Published

1 year ago

October 11, 2024

Five to die by hanging for killing Navy officer, two others in Kogi

In Kogi State, five accused persons will die by hanging for killing three people amid tussle for the ascension to a traditional seat.

They were convicted and sentenced by a Kogi State High Court sitting at Ankpa, Ankpa LGA for the killing one Chief Sylvester Sule, a retired Navy officer, his brother Owoicho Sule and one other person.

The presiding judge, Justice Seidu Hussaini, found the convicts guilty of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable homicide contrary to sections 97(1), 337 and 221 of the Kogi State Penal Code.

A perennial feud between two ruling family houses in Akwu community in Akpa local government over the right to produce the village head snowballed into a violent clash on January 29th, 2020.

In the ensuing full-blown melee, three people were killed, about 22 houses set ablaze and five vehicles burnt in the community.

After a protracted struggle to occupy the vacant stool for years, the then Ata Igala coronated one of the contenders to the throne, Sylvester Muhammedu Sule, on December 29, 2019 at his palace in Idah.

A month after, violence broke out in the community leading to the destruction of lives, including the beaded chief’s and two others, and properties.

The trial of the accused persons started in 2020, went through three different judges before the fourth judge, Justice Seidu Husseini, finally delivered judgement on October 7, 2024.

Justice Hussaini said in his ruling that the five accused persons – Aliyu Amadu Makolo, Yakubu Idaji, Danjuma Yusuf, Mohammed Yusuf and Muhammed Rilwanu (Dikadi) – were found guilty in a violent attack that led to the death of three people and destruction of properties in the community.

READ ALSO:

The prosecution counsel, M. A. Abaji, averred during the proceedings that on January 29, 2020, the accused men, armed with various weapons, including matchetes and locally made guns, invaded the Aku community, and set properties on fire.

In the process, Abaji added, the accused men hacked Chief Sylvester Muhammedu Sule, his elder brother, Mr Owoicho Sule Onuh and one other person to death in the community.

The prosecution counsel added that the lifeless body of one of the victims, Owoicho Sule, was thereafter dismembered, tied in a sack and dumped in a well.

In his final written address, Barrister Abaji submitted that the defendants’ pleas of not guilty were only a mere denial.

He averred that the defendants utterly failed to raise a defence as to the commission of all the offenses established against them, rather, dwelt on mere denials and technicalities which he claimed were not material or fatal to the case under prosecution.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty as the charges when the case came up for hearing.

Their counsel, Isaac Ekpa, in his final written addresses, said the prosecution had not proven its case beyond reasonable doubt to warrant the conviction of the defendants.

In his ruling on Monday, Justice Seidu said the prosecution had proved its case beyond all reasonable doubts, noting that “denying the commission of offense did not amount to not committing it.”

The trial judge added that the burden of proof rested on the defense counsel which he failed to achieve in the case.

“I have full satisfaction with the evidence adduced by the prosecution. The prosecution has presented its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The five defendants (1,2,3,4,6) have been found guilty of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable homicide punishable with death, contrary to sections 97(1) , 337 and 221 of the Kogi State penal code, and therefore sentences them to death by hanging,” he said.

Meanwhile, Justice Seidu has discharged and acquitted the two other accused persons in the case – Yakubu Ikoja and Abdulmumuni Sale, the 5th and 7th respondents – for the inability of the plaintiff’s counsel to prove his case against them beyond doubt.

The prosecution counsel said efforts are being intensified to arrest other suspects said to be on the run.

He said David Adoyi Abah, Tahir Abdul, Solomon Odawn Ogbo, Jibrin Okpanachi, Farouk Okpanachi and Francis Bala Abonny, who were at large, would be arrested and made to face the law.

Five to die by hanging for killing Navy officer, two others in Kogi

Related Topics:hanging Kogi Navy ‘die’

Up Next

Military challenges Asari Dokubo to prove his might on the Battlefield

Don't Miss

Hardship under Tinubu govt worsening mental health — Peter Obi

metro

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

Published

6 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

Awhum, Udi LGA, Enugu State — At least 18 passengers were killed after a massive ancestral tree, locally known as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum,” collapsed onto a commercial 18‑seater bus on Tuesday, during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall. The bus was en route from Ukehe in Igbo‑Etiti LGA to Enugu metropolis when the tragedy occurred.

Eyewitnesses said the ancient tree fell without warning, crushing the bus and its occupants instantly. “The rain was very heavy, the wind was strong, and we heard a loud crash,” one resident recalled. All passengers were reportedly killed on impact.

READ ALSO:

Local resident Charly Okeke suggested that recent human activity, including tying red and white cloths around the tree trunk for spiritual purposes, may have weakened the tree, contributing to the collapse. The community has been thrown into mourning, as families grapple with the sudden loss.

Emergency responders and local volunteers rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, though no official statement has been released by Enugu State authorities as of now.

The tragedy highlights the dangers posed by aged trees along busy roads, especially during periods of torrential rain and strong winds, and underscores the need for public safety measures and regular assessments of roadside trees to prevent similar disasters.

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

metro

Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau

Published

6 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Over 200 Killed as Deadly Landslide Hits Mining Community in Congo

Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau

Kampani Zurak, Wase LGA, Plateau State — Tragedy struck early Wednesday morning as a carbon monoxide gas leak at an underground mining site claimed the lives of at least 37 miners and injured more than 20 others. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m., shortly after workers returned from morning prayers.

According to eyewitness Safiyanu Haruna, survivors and local residents discovered miners unconscious inside the poorly ventilated tunnels. “It’s heartbreaking to wake up to the news that 37 miners, who had been struggling to make ends meet, have died,” he said.

READ ALSO:

The injured miners were immediately transported to a hospital in Wase town for treatment. Authorities and emergency response teams had not yet arrived at the site when the leak occurred, highlighting the dangers of underground mining in poorly regulated areas.

Funeral prayers for the deceased are currently being held in the community, with the Local Government Area chairman reported to have attended. Security forces have sealed off the mining site to prevent further casualties and aid ongoing investigations.

The tragedy underscores the critical need for improved mining safety regulations, particularly in remote areas where miners often work under hazardous conditions with limited safety protocols. Experts warn that carbon monoxide exposure in mines can be deadly within minutes if ventilation and gas detection measures are inadequate.

Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau

metro

Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan

Published

8 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf

Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan

The Kano State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and spiritually focused observance of Ramadan. The directive, issued by the Kano State Censorship Board, affects entertainment venues popularly known as gala houses, as well as disc jockey (DJ) operators and related entertainment outlets under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

Abdullahi Sulaiman, the board’s Public Relations Officer, announced that the closure will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, and will remain in force throughout the holy month. He explained that the action aims to create a calm and morally conducive environment for Muslim residents to observe fasting, prayers, and other religious activities without distractions.

READ ALSO:

The board emphasised that reopening dates, particularly for Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations, will be communicated at the appropriate time. Enforcement teams have been mobilised to ensure compliance, with sanctions for violations under the board’s regulatory mandate.

Officials clarified that the closure does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings, which fall outside the board’s jurisdiction. Board director Usman Dankwano reiterated that only entertainment outlets such as gala houses are affected by the directive.

The government said the decision aligns with efforts to promote social harmony, maintain public order, and respect religious observances during Ramadan. Residents and business operators are urged to comply fully to avoid penalties.

The move reflects a broader pattern in northern Nigeria, where authorities adjust entertainment and public activities during Ramadan to respect cultural and religious practices while maintaining community peace.

Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan