Jigawa High Court Sentences Man to Death by Hanging for Rape of Minor, Orders ₦5m Compensation
A Jigawa State High Court has convicted and sentenced Abubakar Muhd (alias Akuya) to death by hanging for the rape of a 15‑year‑old boy. In addition, the court ordered him to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the victim.
The matter was initially filed in March 2022, but prosecution was delayed due to evidentiary and procedural challenges, including the need for additional witness testimony.
The case was originally classified as sodomy, but following the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2012 in Jigawa State, it was reclassified as rape.
The VAPP Law broadened the definition of rape to include same‑sex rape, thereby enabling the prosecution to pursue a more severe charge.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Hon. Justice Ado Yusif Birnin‑kudu held that the convict, Muhd was guilty of raping a minor from Nomi Village, Taura Local Government Area and the offence contravened Section 3(1)(a & b) of the VAPP Law and is punishable under Section 3(2), (4) & (5) of the same law.
The court further found him guilty of unlawful carnal intercourse with the minor, and subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
Accordingly, the court imposed the death penalty by hanging and ordered the payment of ₦5,000,000 as compensation to the victim.
Reacting on the judgement, Barr. Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Public Prosecutions, Jigawa State Ministry of Justice, described the judgment as “sound and justly delivered,” emphasizing its deterrent effect against similar offences.
Abbas Wangara, Director of Publicity and Protocol, Judiciary of Jigawa State, commended the ruling, noting that it reinforces the government’s commitment to fully implementing the VAPP Law and safeguarding citizens against violence.
Efforts to obtain comments from the convict, Muhd, were unsuccessful as he declined to speak.
His counsel, Barr. Lauiza of the Legal Aid Council, Jigawa State Office, also declined to comment on whether an appeal would be filed.
The convict remains in custody pending execution of the sentence.
