A Kano State High Court has sentenced a 22-year-old man, Najibullah Alkasim, to death by hanging for killing his neighbour, Isyaku Ya’u, during a dispute in January 2024. The judgment, delivered on Monday by Justice Farida Dabappa, brings an end to a case that has drawn attention within the Dawakin Dakata community, where the incident took place.
According to the court, Alkasim stabbed Ya’u in the chest with a screwdriver, leading to his death. The judge ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven that the defendant intentionally caused the death of the victim and therefore must face the full weight of the law.
During the trial, the prosecution explained that the tragic incident occurred on January 19, 2024. Counsel for the state, Lamido Abba-Sorondinki, informed the court that Alkasim and the deceased were neighbours in Dawakin Dakata, a densely populated area in Kano. What started as a dispute between the two men turned violent, resulting in Ya’u being stabbed with a screwdriver.
The court was told that the argument escalated quickly, and before bystanders could intervene, Ya’u had collapsed from the injury. He was later confirmed dead due to excessive bleeding from the chest wound.
Justice Dabappa stated that after reviewing all the evidence presented, including witness statements and the medical report, the court was convinced that the defendant acted with the intention to kill. She noted that the prosecution had proven the charge of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
“I hereby sentence Alkasim to death by hanging for stabbing the deceased with a screwdriver which caused his death,” she declared.
The courtroom remained silent as the sentence was announced, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the weight of the punishment.
Culpable homicide in states operating under the Penal Code, including Kano, is the equivalent of murder under the Criminal Code used in southern Nigeria. For a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the accused intentionally caused the death of another person.
A sentence of death by hanging remains a legal punishment in Nigeria, although several human rights groups have continued to call for its abolition. Courts often impose the sentence in cases involving intentional killing, especially when the prosecution proves motive and deliberate action.
Residents of Dawakin Dakata were deeply shaken by the killing, particularly because both the victim and the accused were known to each other and had lived as neighbours for some time. Community members described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, noting that simple disagreements can sometimes escalate when young people fail to manage anger or seek peaceful resolution.
The case also highlighted the rising concern about the use of everyday tools and household items as weapons during disputes. In recent years, several courts across northern Nigeria have handled cases where ordinary objects such as knives, screwdrivers, sticks, or iron rods were used in violent attacks.
The judgment comes nearly one year after the incident, reflecting the typical pace of criminal trials in the country. Legal experts note that while the Nigerian justice system often faces delays due to heavy case loads and limited resources, homicide cases tend to receive priority because of their seriousness.
Prosecutors in Kano have also been working to strengthen their handling of violent crime cases, as the state continues to experience incidents ranging from domestic disputes to neighbourhood clashes. This case, observers say, demonstrates the determination of the judiciary to ensure that violent offenders are held accountable.
While immediate family members of the victim were not available for comments after the ruling, some observers noted that the judgment may bring a sense of closure to them after months of legal proceedings. For the family of the convict, however, the ruling marks the beginning of a difficult chapter. In many death sentence cases, convicts have the option to appeal the ruling at higher courts, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Lawyers familiar with such cases often encourage defendants to seek legal advice on possible appeal grounds, especially in situations where the defence believes certain aspects of the trial require review.
The case has revived calls for young people to embrace non-violent approaches to solving disagreements. Religious leaders, community heads, and social workers in Kano have repeatedly encouraged residents to avoid taking matters into their own hands, especially in heated moments. They argue that simple disagreements can turn fatal when tempers flare.
The tragedy involving Alkasim and Ya’u underscores the need for more community awareness programmes on conflict management and peaceful living, particularly in densely populated areas where minor disputes can easily escalate.
As Alkasim begins the long journey through the post-judgment process, including possible appeals, the ruling stands as a strong message on the consequences of violent behaviour. The court’s decision serves as both punishment for the offender and a warning to others that the law takes acts of intentional violence seriously.
