HASSAN WAKILI V. THE STATE

STEPHEN JONAH ADAH, J.S.C. (Delivering the Lead Judgment): This appeal is against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Judicial Division, in Appeal No. CA/K/458/C/2014, delivered on the 26th day of February, 2015. By that decision, the lower Court affirmed the judgment of the trial Court delivered on the 28th day of July, 2010, in Charge No. JDU/29C/2008, wherein the appellant was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. 

The appellant was alleged to have, on the 3rd day of July, 2008, at Musari Village, Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State, unlawfully caused the death of one Jummai Sa'idu by inflicting several injuries on various parts of her body with a long-curved knife locally referred to as “Gariyo.” 

Following investigation, the appellant was arraigned before the trial Court sitting at Hadejia, Jigawa State, on a lone count charge of culpabie homicide punishable with death, contrary to Section 221(b) of the Penal Code. 

Upon his arraignment, the appellant pleaded n…