Muhammadu Abubakar, a 32-year-old herder, was sentenced to life in prison by an Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday for attempted murder.
According to Punch Newspaper, Abubakar was charged with two charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms, and he was found guilty on both counts.
The offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 320 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, and Section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap.R11, Vol.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, according to the police prosecutor, Taiwo Ajibulu.
Four witnesses were called by the prosecutor.
A witness, in his testimony before the court, said, “The defendant was challenged while grazing on the cassava farm; he was angry for being questioned. He pulled out his gun and fired at the people who challenged him, but they were fortunate it (the bullet) missed them.
“He was later overpowered by residents while trying to escape, following which he was handed over to the police.”
The exhibits tendered included a gun, live cartridges and statements among others.
The judge, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, in his verdict, stated, “The defendant is found guilty as charged. On count one, he is sentenced to life imprisonment, and 10 years imprisonment on count two.”
