Kogi Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing Friend in Hotel

The Kogi State High Court sitting in Okene has sentenced Abdulmutalib Abduljabar to death by hanging for killing his friend, Momohjimoh Abduljafar, at GKAS Hotel in the town.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice A. S. Hussein convicted Abduljabar of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221 of the Kogi State Penal Code, 2019, as amended.

The judge held that the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence establishing beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally stabbed Abduljafar and caused his death.

Prosecution Establishes Fatal Stabbing

In her written address, prosecution counsel Esther J. John told the court that Abduljabar attacked his friend with a sharp, lethal object at the hotel on June 6, 2025.

The prosecution maintained that the injuries inflicted during the attack resulted in Abduljafar’s death.

Justice Hussein rejected the arguments presented by defence counsel Baba Shehu Ahmad and imposed the death sentence after finding the defendant guilty.

The conviction follows another homicide judgment in the state, in which a Kogi High Court sentenced Dahiru Yusuf Abbah to death for killing his father in Lokoja. That case also involved a conviction under Section 221 of the state Penal Code.

Defence Plans Appeal

Reacting to the decision, John expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying justice had been served. She also commended the presiding judge.

Members of Abduljafar’s family similarly expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

However, Ahmad said he would study the certified true copy of the judgment before filing an appeal against his client’s conviction and sentence.

Defence lawyers in the separate Lokoja homicide case also announced plans to appeal. In Abduljabar’s case, Ahmad’s statement indicates an intention to challenge the judgment; it does not establish that an appeal has already been filed.