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A Yobe State High Court sitting in Damaturu has sentenced a 45-year-old man, Abubakar Musa, popularly known as Daddy, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of the culpable homicide of his wife, Ammi Adamu Mamman. The judgment was reportedly delivered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, nearly two years after the incident that claimed Mamman’s life.
The case dates back to January 4, 2024, when the Yobe State Police Command received a distress call concerning an incident at New Bra-Bra Housing Estate in Damaturu. The incident prompted a police investigation and drew public attention, particularly because the deceased was a staff member of Yobe State University.
According to the police, officers at the ‘C’ Divisional Police Headquarters in Damaturu received the distress call at approximately 4:48 a.m. Preliminary information indicated that the couple were on the same bed when Mamman was allegedly attacked with a sharp object around the neck.
The injury reportedly caused severe bleeding, leading to her death. Following the incident, Musa was arrested, while detectives attached to the homicide unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
During the trial, Musa pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, the prosecution presented evidence to establish his responsibility for the death. The court reportedly concluded that the prosecution had proved the essential elements of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt and consequently convicted him.
Mamman’s death also generated reactions from the Yobe State University community. Following the incident, the university expressed sadness over her death, while its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mala Mohammed Daura, condemned the incident and called on security agencies to ensure that justice was served.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni also reportedly sympathised with Mamman’s family and assured them that anyone found responsible for the killing would face the law. The subsequent conviction represents a significant development for the victim’s relatives, colleagues and others who had followed the case.
The court’s decision highlights the importance of evidence and due process in criminal proceedings. Under Nigerian criminal law, the prosecution must prove the elements of an offence beyond reasonable doubt before a defendant can be convicted. The accused also has the right to challenge the evidence presented against him during the trial.
Although Musa has been sentenced to death by hanging, he retains the right to appeal the conviction or sentence in accordance with the law. Any appeal would allow a higher court to examine the relevant legal and evidential issues. The imposition of a death sentence does not mean that execution takes place immediately, as the applicable legal procedures must be followed.
Beyond the courtroom, the case has renewed attention on domestic violence and the devastating consequences of violence within families. It underscores the importance of early intervention, accessible support services, prompt reporting of threats and effective responses by law enforcement agencies to help prevent similar tragedies.
For Mamman’s family, friends and colleagues at Yobe State University, her death remains an irreparable loss. While the court’s judgment establishes criminal responsibility at the trial level, the case also serves as a reminder of the role of the police and judiciary in investigating violent deaths, protecting citizens and ensuring that justice is pursued in accordance with the law.
