Gombe man gets 10-year jail term for robbery, others

The Gombe State High Court No. 5, presided over by Justice Muhammad-Auwal Haruna, has convicted and sentenced one Ismail Abubakar to 10 years’ imprisonment for criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and armed robbery.

The court on Thursday sentenced Abubakar to two years’ imprisonment with an option of a N30,000 fine for criminal conspiracy, contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code Law.

For causing grievous hurt, the convict was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment without an option of fine under Section 248 of the Penal Code Law.

He was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for armed robbery under Section 298(c) of the Penal Code Law.

The court ordered that the sentences should run concurrently, meaning that Abubakar will serve a total of 10 years in prison.

The convict was charged alongside one Sirajo, who is now deceased, and another suspect, Babangida, alias Goga, who is currently at large.

The prosecution alleged that the trio, on July 21, 2024, at about 9 pm, at Kalorgu Quarters, Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, conspired to commit armed robbery and cause grievous hurt.

According to the prosecution, “the suspects armed themselves with cutlasses and torchlight to attack Daniel Danis while he was returning from his shop.”

The prosecution told the court that the victim was robbed of his Infinix smartphone valued at N45,000 and some money, while he was also attacked and injured with a sharp object.

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The State Counsel, Barrister Hafsat Abubakar, told the court that the offences committed by the defendant were contrary to Sections 97, 248 and 298(c) of the Penal Code Law.

Abubakar pleaded not guilty when the charges were read and explained to him.

During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses and tendered exhibits before the court, while defence counsel, Barrister Muzzambil Yahaya, cross-examined the prosecution witnesses.

The defence subsequently called one witness in support of its case.

In his judgment, Justice Haruna said “the court relied on the testimonies of the first and second prosecution witnesses, who identified the defendant at the scene of the crime under adequate illumination.”

The judge held that the prosecution had successfully established the guilt of the defendant beyond reasonable doubt on all the counts.

“The prosecution side has successfully established the guilt of the defendant beyond reasonable doubt across all the counts charged,” the court held.

The court consequently found Abubakar guilty on all three counts and convicted and sentenced him accordingly.