A middle-aged man Stephen Jiya has been sentenced to death for setting his biological mother ablaze
Nigeriacrime.com gathered that
Jiya who was sentenced by Chief Judge of the state, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, is to die either by hanging, electrocuted or injected until he is dead.
Jiya was found guilty of culpable homicide punishable under section 221 of the penal code law which attracts the death penalty.
Stephen Jiya was arraigned by the office of the Attorney General of the state Ministry of Justice for setting his biological mother Mrs Comfort Jiya a retired Director in the Niger State Ministry of Education ablaze in November 2022.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Serah Gana had prayed to the Court to prosecute him in accordance with the provision of Section 221 of the penal code which attracts the death penalty.
Justice Halima Abdulmalik in her submission said that the circumstances that led to the death of the deceased clearly showed that the convict was undoubtedly responsible for the crime levelled against him as established by the Prosecutor.
She also said that all the evidence and prosecuting witnesses who testified before the court were able to prove that the convict was responsible for the killing of his biological Mother Mrs Comfort Jiya.
“With all the evidence tendered before the court, I don’t have any iota of doubt in my mind that the convict was guilty of culpable homicide punishable under sections 221 of the penal code as charged.
“The prosecutor has proved the case against the defendant beyond every reasonable doubt and I am convinced with all the testimonies of the prosecuting witnesses.
“On the whole, the prosecutor has proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt against the defendant and I hereby found you Stephen Jiya guilty of the offence of culpable homicide with death under section 221 of the penal code accordingly.
In an emotionally laden voice, Justice Halima Abdulmalik asked the convict, “What do you have to say before I pass my sentence on you”?.
The convict pleaded with the court to temper justice with Mercy saying,
“I am a family man. I have a wife and children. Give me a second chance and I will be a product of a good society.
“My Lord have mercy on me. Temper justice with Mercy and I promise to change for good” he pleaded.
In her judgement which lasted for over one hour, Justice Halima Abdulmalik said her hands are tied because the punishment for culpable homicide as stipulated by law is death.
“In the circumstances, the sentence of the Court upon you is that you should be hanged by the neck, electrocuted, executed or injected with lethal injection until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul,” the Chief Judge submitted.