A Borno High Court sitting in Maiduguri has sentenced an 18-years-old herder, Adamu Mohammed, to death for killing a fellow herdsman, 19-years-old Adamu Ali, during a clash in Auno, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Justice Mohammed Maina held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the convict struck the deceased on the head with a cutlass during an altercation on Jan. 19, 2025.
Ali was later confirmed dead at the Borno State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.
Court records indicated that although Mohammed initially attempted to plead guilty, the court entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf because the charge carries a death sentence.
The prosecution called two witnesses and tendered exhibits, including the defendant’s statements and a medical report. In both statements, Mohammed admitted to fighting the deceased with a cutlass.
The defence argued that the convict acted in self-defence, a claim the court rejected due to inconsistencies in his testimony and the absence of evidence showing he was unable to retreat.
Justice Maina ruled that the force used was excessive and unjustified, adding that the elements of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 191(a) of the Borno State Penal Code Law, 2023, had been satisfied. Mohammed was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging.
The incident occurred against the background of ongoing tensions involving herders in various parts of the country, a situation that has led to fatalities and destruction of property.