A 18-year-old man, Yusuf Haruna, is standing trial for allegedly stabbing an Imam, Sani Mohammed, to death.
Haruna who was arraigned at a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano State, on Wednesday, has been remanded in Kano correctional centre.
The defendant, who lives in Tudun Nufawa Quarters, Kano, was charged with culpable homicide.
The prosecutor, Mrs Fatima Ado-Ahmad, told the court that Musa Yunusa, of the same address, reported the matter at Jakarta Police Division, Kano, on December 31, 2023.
She alleged that around 7 p.m., the defendant attacked and stabbed the 45-year-old Imam with a knife to death.
“As a result of the attack, the victim sustained deep injury and was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor,” she stated.
She said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 221 of the Penal Code.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Binta Galadanchi ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre and adjourned the matter till January 31, 2024, for further mention.
In a related development, Haruna’s father, Sani, was arraigned before the court for hiding his son after committing the crime.
The defendant is standing trial on a count charge, shielding of an offender, contrary to Section 167 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution counsel, Ado-Ahmad, alleged that on Dec.31, 2023, the defendant allegedly hid his son after stabbing the Imam to death.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor opposed the bail application made by the defence counsel.
Responding, the defence counsel, Ahmad Rufa’i, holding brief for Mr. Rabiu Sidi, urged the court to grant the defendant bail in line with Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution as amended, and Section 168 of ACJL 2019 Kano State.
