MOHAMMED MUSTAPHA V. THE STATE

UGOCHUKWU ANTHONY OGAKWU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Lead Judgment): This appeal is against the decision of the High Court of Gombe State, Coram Judice: Kereng, J., in CHARGE NO. GM/99C/2020: THE STATE vs. MOHAMMED UMAR ALIAS APAPA & ORS. The Appellant was the 3rd accused person at the lower Court, and he was convicted, and custodial sentences and payment of fine were imposed on him for the offences of criminal conspiracy, criminal house trespass, abduction, and rape, contrary to and punishable under various Sections of the Penal Code. The Appellant was dissatisfied with the decision of the lower Court, and pursuant to an order for extension of time granted by this Court on 16th January 2025, he filed his Notice of Appeal on 17th January 2025. The judgment of the lower Court, which was delivered on 31st March 2022 is at pages 118-162 of the Records of Appeal, while the order of this Court is at pages 163-164 of the Records of Appeal, and the Notice of Appeal is at pages 165-175 of the Rec…